TransmissionLinesandMaxwellsEquations PDF

Transmission Lines and Maxwell's Equations
Phil Lucht
Rimrock Digital Technology, Salt Lake City, Utah 84103
last update: Oct 20, 2014
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Overview and Summary ......................................................................................................................... 8

Chapter Summaries ............................................................................................................................. 10
Appendix Summaries.......................................................................................................................... 11
Symbols used in this document........................................................................................................... 14
Chapter 1: Basic Equations.................................................................................................................. 19
1.1 Maxwell's Equations in a Conducting Dielectric Medium ........................................................... 19
(a) Notes on Maxwell's Equations .................................................................................................. 19
(b) Integral Forms of Maxwell's Equations and Continuity............................................................ 24
(c) Rules for behavior of fields and potentials at a boundary ......................................................... 27
1.2 The Field Wave Equations............................................................................................................ 32
1.3 The Potential Wave Equations...................................................................................................... 33
(a) The Potential Wave Equations in the Lorenz gauge.................................................................. 33
(b) Special Relativity Note.............................................................................................................. 35
(c) The Potential Wave Equations in the King and Lorenz Gauges with Conductors .................... 37
1.4 Retarded Solutions in the Lorenz gauge: Propagators ................................................................. 46
1.5 The Wave Equations in the Frequency Domain ........................................................................... 49
(a) The Transformed Wave Equations ............................................................................................ 49
(b) The Helmholtz Integrals in the King Gauge.............................................................................. 51
(c) King's leading factor (1/4πξ) and the final Helmholtz Integrals................................................ 52
(d) Frequency domain wave equations for fields and potentials in the Lorenz Gauge ................... 60
(e) Self Consistency of Helmholtz Integral Solutions..................................................................... 61
1.6 Reinterpretation of all equations in terms of complex functions .................................................. 63
(a) Complex Functions.................................................................................................................... 63
(b) Monochrome time ..................................................................................................................... 64
(c) Why complex fields: The Fourier Transform........................................................................... 65
(d) Monochrome E and B fields...................................................................................................... 66
(e) The Line Strength ...................................................................................................................... 67
(f) Overloaded Notation and Maxwell's Equations in ω space ....................................................... 68
Chapter 2: The Round Wire and the Skin Effect............................................................................... 69
2.1 The Implicit Wave Context, Helmholtz Equations and the Skin Effect ....................................... 69
2.2 Derivation of E(r), B(r) and J(r) for a round wire ......................................................................... 72
1
2.3 A study of the solution of a round wire ........................................................................................ 79
(a) Kelvin Functions ....................................................................................................................... 79
(b) Plots of |E(r)/E(a)| for various δ values .................................................................................... 80
(c) Review of the round wire solution ............................................................................................ 84
(d) Plots of the round wire solution for Belden 8281 at 5 MHz...................................................... 86
2.4 The Surface Impedance Zs(ω) of a Round Wire........................................................................... 88
(a) Expressions for Surface Impedance........................................................................................... 89
(b) Low frequency limit of Zs(ω).................................................................................................... 90
(c) High frequency limit of Zs(ω) ................................................................................................... 91
(d) Plots of Zs(ω) versus skin depth δ............................................................................................. 92
2.5 Surface Impedance for a Transmission Line................................................................................. 95
Chapter 3: Transmission Line Preliminaries ..................................................................................... 98
3.1 Why is there no free charge inside a conductor or a dielectric? ................................................... 98
3.2 How thick is the surface charge layer on a conductor?............................................................... 100
3.3 How does loss tangent affect dielectric conductivity? ................................................................ 101
3.4 Size of E fields in conductor and dielectric; conservation of total current at a boundary........... 104
3.5 The TEM mode fields and currents for an ideal transmission line ............................................. 107
3.6 The TEM mode fields and currents for a practical transmission line......................................... 110
3.7 The general shape of fields, charges, and currents on a transmission line.................................. 112
(a) Eθ at a conductor surface vanishes .......................................................................................... 112
(b) The transverse vector potential components are small............................................................ 113
(c) The scalar potential φ on a conductor surface ......................................................................... 113
(d) B and Az on a conductor surface............................................................................................. 117
A Counter Example and Comments on the Low Frequency Regime ........................................... 119
(e) Observations about the E and B field lines in a transmission line dielectric........................... 121
(f) Drawings of the fields .............................................................................................................. 123
(g) More on the field and current structure ................................................................................... 125
(h) Estimate of the ratio Jr/Jz ........................................................................................................ 127
3.8 Review of Transmission Line Preliminaries ............................................................................... 129
Chapter 4: Transmission Line Equations ......................................................................................... 132
4.1 Computation of potential φ due to one conductor of a transmission line ................................... 132
4.2 Computation of potential φ due to both conductors of a transmission line ................................ 134
4.3 The Transmission Line Limit...................................................................................................... 135
4.4 General Calculation of V(z)........................................................................................................ 138
4.5 Example: Transmission line with widely-spaced round wires of unequal diameters ................ 144
Power Transmission Lines (also Telephone and Telegraph) ........................................................ 148
4.6 Example: A coaxial cable .......................................................................................................... 150
4.7 Computation of Az due to one conductor of a transmission line ................................................ 154
Comments regarding μ.................................................................................................................. 155
4.8 Computation of potential Az due to both conductors of a transmission line .............................. 158
4.9 Transmission Line Limit Revisited............................................................................................. 158
4.10 General Calculation of W(z) ..................................................................................................... 159
4.11 Relations involving C and G and the charges and currents in a transmission line ................... 162
4.12 The Classical Transmission Line Equations ............................................................................. 165
(a) Initial Processing ..................................................................................................................... 165
2
(b) Averaging Repair and the Transmission Line Equations ........................................................ 166
(c) An example of K = KL ............................................................................................................. 171
(d) Summary of Results ................................................................................................................ 174
(e) Time domain equations (telegraph equations)......................................................................... 176
4.13 Modifications to account for μd ≠ μ1 ≠ μ2 ................................................................................. 177
Chapter 5: The Transverse Problem................................................................................................. 182
5.1 Separation of φ........................................................................................................................... 182
5.2 Separation of Az ......................................................................................................................... 184
5.3 Development of the Transverse Problem.................................................................................... 186
(a) kφ = kA and the transverse equations........................................................................................ 186
(b) The scaling boundary condition on φt(x)................................................................................ 188
(c) Energy Conservation in a Transmission Line.......................................................................... 190
5.4 The Low-Loss Approximation.................................................................................................... 191
(a) Transverse Equations for a Low-Loss transmission line ......................................................... 191
(b) The scaling boundary condition (5.3.13) revisited .................................................................. 194
5.5 The Capacitor Problem: How to Find K ................................................................................... 195
5.6 What happens if low-loss is not assumed?.................................................................................. 201
Chapter 6: Two Cylindrical Conductors .......................................................................................... 204
6.1 A candidate transverse potential φt ............................................................................................ 204
6.2 Ancient Greece circa 230 BC...................................................................................................... 204
6.3 Back to the Future: Calculation of K ......................................................................................... 207
6.4 Summary of Line Parameter Results .......................................................................................... 214
6.5. The Proximity Effect for a Transmission Line made of Two Round Wires .............................. 215
(a) The surface charge density and its moments ........................................................................... 215
(b) The Proximity Effect ............................................................................................................... 218
(c) Plots of the Proximity and Skin Effects................................................................................... 219
(d) The relationship between Jz(a,θ) and n(θ) obtained from div E = 0........................................ 224
(e) The Proximity Effect At Low Frequencies.............................................................................. 226
(f) Active perimeter p and Zs for a two-cylinder transmission line .............................................. 227
(g) The Proximity Effect For Currents in the Same Direction...................................................... 230
Chapter 7: The Low Frequency Limit of the Theory ...................................................................... 231
7.1 A Review of Appendix D............................................................................................................ 231
(a) The Four Equations ................................................................................................................ 231
(b) The Two Boundary Conditions ............................................................................................... 231
(c) The e-jkz Ansatz ...................................................................................................................... 232
(d) The Appendix D E-field Solutions.......................................................................................... 233
7.2 First Sign of Trouble: Jz Asymmetry at DC............................................................................... 234
7.3 A proof that Jz must be uniform at DC ....................................................................................... 236
7.4 Second Sign of Trouble: Infinite B fields as ω→0 ..................................................................... 242
7.5 What is the cause of the Trouble as ω→ 0 ? ............................................................................... 246
Appendix A: Gauge Invariance ......................................................................................................... 250
A.0 The Poisson Equation and its Solution....................................................................................... 250
A.1 Existence of A such that B = curl A and div A = 0.................................................................... 253
A.2 Existence of A' such that B = curl A' and div A' = f . ................................................................ 255
3
A.3 Existence of φ such that E = -grad φ.......................................................................................... 255
A.4 Existence of A' and φ' such that B = curl A', E = - grad φ' - ∂tA', and div A' = f. ..................... 256
A.5 Gauge Invariance ....................................................................................................................... 257
A.6 The Lorenz Gauge and QED...................................................................................................... 258
A.7 Finding the gauge function Λ for the Lorentz Gauge: time-domain propagators ..................... 260
Appendix B: Magnetization Surface Currents on a Conductor ..................................................... 263
B.1 Relationship between surface current K and the field H at a conductor boundary .................... 263
B.2 Calculation of H from the current J in a conductor .................................................................... 268
(a) An expression for H in terms of J............................................................................................ 268
(b) An alternative derivation using the vector potential A............................................................ 269
(c) Boundary conditions................................................................................................................ 271
(d) The Biot-Savart Law in 3D and 2D......................................................................................... 271
B.3 General Method for computing the surface current Jm on a wire................................................ 273
B.4 Surface current on a round wire with uniform J......................................................................... 273
B.5 Computing Hθ for a round wire using the General Method of B.3 ............................................ 274
B.6 Modification of King's Helmholtz integral solution when μ1 ≠ μ2............................................ 278
(a) General Discussion .................................................................................................................. 278
(b) Statement and Proof of the Jm Lemma..................................................................................... 279
(c) Statement and Proof of the Jm Theorem................................................................................... 286
B.7 Application of the Jm Lemma to a round wire with uniform Jz ................................................. 290
(a) The Az(c) term......................................................................................................................... 291
(b) The Az(m) term ........................................................................................................................ 293
(c) Adding the two terms and checking boundary conditions....................................................... 293
(d) Plots of Az and Bθ and Hθ ....................................................................................................... 295
Appendix C: DC Properties of a Wire .............................................................................................. 297
C.1 The DC resistance of a wire ....................................................................................................... 297
C.2 The DC surface impedance of a wire ......................................................................................... 297
C.3 The DC internal and external inductance of a round wire.......................................................... 298
C.4 The DC internal inductance of a wire of rectangular cross section............................................ 301
C.5 The DC internal inductance of a thin flat wire ........................................................................... 310
C.6 The DC internal inductance of a hollow round wire .................................................................. 315
Appendix D: The General E and B Fields Inside an Infinite Straight Round Wire ..................... 320
D.1 Partial Wave Expansion ............................................................................................................. 321
(a) The General Method................................................................................................................ 321
(b) Partial Wave Expansions......................................................................................................... 323
(c) The Vector Laplacian in Cylindrical Coordinates ................................................................... 324
(d) The three Helmholtz equations and div E = 0 (in partial waves) ............................................ 325
D.2 Solutions for Ez,Er and Eθ ......................................................................................................... 329
(a) The Ez Solution ....................................................................................................................... 329
(b) The Er Solution ....................................................................................................................... 330
(c) The Eθ Solution ....................................................................................................................... 332
(d) The Charge Pumping Boundary Condition ............................................................................. 336
(e) Application of the Boundary Conditions................................................................................. 337
Second summary of the E field solutions...................................................................................... 340
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D.3 What about the Eθ Helmholtz Equation ? .................................................................................. 343
D.4 Computation of the B fields in the round wire........................................................................... 344
D.5 Verification that the E and B fields satisfy the Maxwell equations ........................................... 348
D.6 The exact E and B fields for the m=0 partial wave................................................................... 349
D.7 What about the E fields outside the round wire? ....................................................................... 351
D.8 About the boundary condition Eθ(a,m) = 0 ................................................................................ 353
(a) The Quasi-Static Argument ..................................................................................................... 354
(b) An Ansatz Argument............................................................................................................... 356
D.9 About the boundary condition Er(a,θ) = (jω/σ) n(θ) . ................................................................ 357
(a) The notion of Debye Surface Currents .................................................................................... 357
(b) The role of Debye Surface Currents in the boundary condition.............................................. 359
(c) Where does surface charge n(θ) come from? .......................................................................... 361
(d) Modifications for a Conducting Dielectric.............................................................................. 364
D.10 High frequency limit of the round wire E fields ..................................................................... 371
(a) Symmetry of em, fm, gm and hm and expansions for Ei(r,θ) ....................................................... 371
(b) High frequency evaluation of em, fm, gm and hm and the E fields .............................................. 372
D.11 Low frequency limit of the round wire E fields ....................................................................... 378
(a) A High Level Review of Appendix D and its Accuracy ......................................................... 378
(b) Low frequency values for β' .................................................................................................... 379
(c) Low frequency evaluation of em, fm, gm and hm ......................................................................... 380
(d) Low frequency E fields ........................................................................................................... 382
Appendix E: How Thick is Surface Charge on a Metal Conductor? ............................................. 386
Appendix F: Waveguides.................................................................................................................... 390
F.1 Discussion................................................................................................................................... 390
F.2 The TE waveguide modes for a parallel-plate transmission line ................................................ 390
F.3 A waveguide interpretation......................................................................................................... 394
Appendix G: The DC vector potential of a round wire carrying a uniform current.................... 396
G.1 Setup and Assumptions .............................................................................................................. 396
G.2 Direct solution for Az(r) from the differential equation............................................................. 397
G.3 Instant solution for A using Ampere's Law, and computation of Jm.......................................... 400
The Magnetization Current ........................................................................................................... 401
G.4 Solution for Az using the 2D Helmholtz Integral ...................................................................... 402
G.5 Comments on the low frequency solution for Az ....................................................................... 405
Appendix H: Laplace and Helmholtz Propagators in 3D................................................................ 407
Appendix I: Laplace and Helmholtz Propagators in 2D ................................................................. 412
Appendix J: The 3D→2D Propagator Transition............................................................................ 420
Appendix K: The Network Model: Comparison of Network and Maxwell Views ...................... 426
(a) The Network Model .................................................................................................................... 426
(b) Network Model Characteristic Impedance.................................................................................. 427
(c) Network Model Transmission Line Equations ............................................................................ 429
(d) Network Model Parameters obtained from Maxwell's Equations ............................................... 430
(e) Low frequency case for round conductors (no skin effect) ......................................................... 431
(f) High frequency case for round conductors (strong skin effect) ................................................... 432
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Appendix L: Point and Line Charges in Dielectrics ........................................................................ 434
L.1 The potential of a point charge inside a thick dielectric spherical shell. .................................... 434
L.2 Limits of the Previous Problem .................................................................................................. 439
(a) Point charge in a spherical cavity in a dielectric ..................................................................... 439
(b) Point charge embedded in a dielectric sphere ......................................................................... 440
(c) Point charge embedded in an infinite dielectric medium ........................................................ 441
L.3 The potential of a line charge inside a thick dielectric cylindrical shell..................................... 442
L.4 Limits of the Previous Problem .................................................................................................. 445
(a) Line charge in an infinite cylindrical hole in a dielectric ........................................................ 445
(b) Line charge embedded in an infinite dielectric cylinder ......................................................... 446
(c) Line charge embedded in an infinite dielectric medium ......................................................... 446
Appendix M: Why the transverse vector potential At is small for a transmission line................ 448
Appendix N: Drude, Magnetic Ohm's Law, Regular Hall Effect, Radial Hall Effect .................. 456
N.1 The Drude Model of Conduction ............................................................................................... 456
N.2 A Theory of the Hall Effect ....................................................................................................... 458
N.3 The Cyclotron Frequency........................................................................................................... 462
N.4 Steady-state Electron Motion with E and B fields: Magnetic Ohm's Law................................ 463
N.5 Theory of the Hall Effect Revisited .......................................................................................... 466
N.6 Theory of the Hall Effect with Multiple Carrier Types ............................................................ 467
N.7 The Radial Hall Effect in a Round Wire ................................................................................... 470
N.8 Magnetic Ohm's Law for Arbitrary B ....................................................................................... 477
Appendix O: How to plot 2D magnetic field lines ............................................................................ 480
(a) Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................................ 480
(b) The Brute Force Method ............................................................................................................. 480
(c) The ODE Method ........................................................................................................................ 481
Example: Magnetic field lines for a two-cylinder transmission line ............................................... 482
(d) The Analytic Method .................................................................................................................. 487
Appendix P: Eddy Currents and the Proximity Effect.................................................................... 489
P.1 Eddy Current Analysis................................................................................................................ 490
P.2 Eddy currents in a thin round plate in a uniform B field ............................................................ 493
P.3 Eddy currents in a thin round plate in a non-uniform B field ..................................................... 497
(a) The stream function method in Cartesian Coordinates............................................................ 498
(b) The stream function method in Cylindrical Coordinates ........................................................ 499
(c) Using the stream function method to solve the plate problem ................................................ 500
P.4 Self-induced eddy currents in a round wire ................................................................................ 504
P.5 Eddy currents induced in a quiet round-wire by an external B field .......................................... 509
P.6 Eddy currents induced in an current-carrying wire by an external B field ................................. 512
P.7 Summary of Round Wire Examples ........................................................................................... 513
P.8 Eddy currents in Transmission Lines: The Proximity Effect...................................................... 514
P.9 Quantitative Evaluation of Eddy Currents and The Proximity Effect ........................................ 518
P.10 Influence of Proximity and Skin Effects on Wire Resistance................................................... 519
Appendix Q: Properties of the functions k(ω) and Z0(ω); plots for Belden 8281 cable .............. 521
Q.1 A Simple Model for R, L, G and C ............................................................................................ 522
Q.2 Real and Imaginary parts of k(ω).............................................................................................. 529
Q.3 Large ω limit of k(ω).................................................................................................................. 530
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Q.4 Small ω limit of k(ω).................................................................................................................. 534
Q.5 The general appearance of Re(k) and Im(k) for Belden 8281 cable .......................................... 539
Q.6 Real and Imaginary parts of Z0(ω)............................................................................................ 545
Q.7 Large ω limit of Z0(ω)................................................................................................................ 547
Q.8 Small ω limit of Z0(ω)................................................................................................................ 551
Q.9 The general appearance of Re(Z0) and Im(Z0) for Belden 8281 cable ...................................... 555
Appendix R: Belden 8281 Coaxial Cable, a Case Study.................................................................. 561
(a) Geometry of the cable.................................................................................................................. 561
(b) Capacitance C.............................................................................................................................. 562
(c) Conductance G ............................................................................................................................ 563
(d) External inductance Le ................................................................................................................ 564
(e) Total DC Inductance.................................................................................................................... 564
(f) High Frequency Inductance and Resistance ................................................................................ 566
(g) The Tinning Correction ............................................................................................................... 567
(h) Characteristic Impedance ............................................................................................................ 570
(i) Phase Velocity and Attenuation ................................................................................................... 572
Appendix S: Details of the Chapter 4 Averaging Procedure ......................................................... 577
References ............................................................................................................................................ 582
7
Overview and Summary
This monograph uses the Maxwell and associated potential equations to determine the behavior of
infinitely-long straight transmission lines. The presentation is loosely based on R.W.P. King's book
Transmission-Line Theory. No attempt is made to address non-straight geometries, bends, stubs and many
other practical applications described by King. There is no discussion of discontinuities, reflections,
standing wave ratios, Smith charts, or any of the traditional topics associated with transmission lines (see,
for example, Pozar 2012). The emphasis is more on how one derives the transmission line parameters
R,L,G,C directly from electromagnetic theory, and what approximations are made in doing so. A key
requirement is that the wavelength of a transmission line wave be significantly larger than the line's
transverse dimensions, something we refer to as the "transmission line limit". Although the discussion
generally concerns transmission lines with two conductors, comments here and there show how the
conclusions can be extended to transmission lines with more than two conductors.
Unlike waveguides, low-loss TEM transmission lines are most easily analyzed using potentials rather
than fields due to the nature of the boundary conditions. This then brings up the can of worms known as
"the gauge condition". We show how a variant of the Lorenz gauge which we call "the King gauge" (since
King uses it) serves to clarify the meaning of the Helmholtz integrals for the scalar and vector potentials
over the surface and interior of the transmission line conductors. This subject is somewhat glossed over in
King's highly compressed theoretical summary, and we could not find clarification in his many other
books on the subject. By the way, most books on "transmission lines" are concerned with the practical
aspects of electrical power distribution and King's book is somewhat of a rarity, though there are other
good books on the subject. It is true that a waveguide is in fact a transmission line, but we use the term
"transmission line" to imply the TEM mode of transmission.
An ancillary topic receiving much attention in this document is the description of the fields, potentials and
currents inside a transmission line conductor operating at angular frequency ω. Mainly the discussion
concerns round wires. A uniform round wire seems a simple physical object, yet the analysis is quite
complicated and involves the so-called Kelvin functions. The skin effect and surface impedance of such a
wire are considered in detail, and then later the proximity effect enters the picture.
There are very few "it can be shown" phrases in this document. Almost everything is derived in detail and
the results verified against external sources. Simple examples are always presented and calculations for
these examples are fully displayed, perhaps to a level of detail the reader will find annoying. Our view is
that a piece of theory is useless if one cannot apply it to a simple case and get a reasonable result.
The reader is assumed to have some knowledge of ordinary and partial differential equations and
associated calculus. Green's Functions (which we call propagators) appear frequently, since these are
useful in solving differential equations, and details are provided for readers not familiar with this subject.
In particular, our first major waypoint is the derivation of the transmission line potentials in the form of
King's Helmholtz integrals as shown in box (1.5.23). The propagators in these integrals are the 3D
Helmholtz free-space fundamental solutions e-jβR/R. This subject is fully laid out for the interested reader
in Appendices H and I for the 3D and 2D Helmholtz partial differential equations which are the frequency
domain Fourier transforms of the more familiar 3D and 2D wave equations.
8
The document consists of seven Chapters which are followed at the end by Appendices A through S. The
latter deal with issues thought too detailed or perhaps too peripheral to the main topic to appear in the
main text, but which we nevertheless felt were worth including. Many of the appendices are stand-alone
monographs in their own right, addressing some related topic (eddy currents, gauge invariance, field line
plotting methods, Hall effects, network model, fields inside a round wire, etc. ) The final section contains
a list of References.
Maple is used as needed to compute analytic integrals, solve equations, do unpleasant algebra, and make
graphs. The reader need not be a Maple expert to read and understand the presented Maple code.
∂f
To reduce clutter, derivatives that would normally be written ∂x or ∂f/∂x are written as ∂xf. Symbols div
F, curl F and grad ψ are generally used instead of ∇•F , ∇xF and ∇ψ. The scalar Laplacian is always ∇2.
Symbol σ is used for conductivity, so surface charge is relegated to symbol n, which is also used to
indicate a derivative normal to a surface ∂nf .
Rather than use exotic script fonts or decorations to distinguish various forms of the electric field E, we
use an "overloaded" notation where the argument list or context determines which E function is implied.
When an equation is repeated after its first occurrence, the equation number is put in italics.
A fairly complete list of the symbols used in this document is presented after the summaries below.
9
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1 states Maxwell's Equations and associated equations which extend Maxwell's theory from the
vacuum to conducting dielectric and magnetic media. After some comments, many of these equations are
restated in integral form using the divergence theorem and Stokes's theorem, and then the behavior of
field components at boundaries is obtained. Wave equations for both the fields and potentials are
described, and the subject of gauges is dealt with. Starting with Section 1.5 the wave equations are
transformed to the frequency domain and Helmholtz equations with parameter β2 appear. King's
Helmholtz integral solutions of these equations are then derived using what we call the King gauge.
Finally, Section 1.6 clarifies the reasons for using complex fields when physical E and B fields are real.
Chapter 2 derives expressions for the E and B fields (and current J = σE) inside a round wire which is
assumed to have an axially symmetric current flow. The resulting fields are rather complicated and reveal
the skin effect. The surface impedance is defined and various quantities are plotted. Assumptions are
made about the vector directional nature of the E and B fields in this analysis. The same problem is
treated without these assumptions and for an arbitrary transverse current distribution in Appendix D. The
main results of that lengthy appendix appear in box (D.9.39).
Chapter 3 first discusses odd topics such as the dielectric loss tangent, the thickness of surface charge,
and why there is no free charge inside a conductor or a dielectric. The chapter then presents a qualitative
description of the E and B fields of a TEM mode transmission line, with some sketches of the fields.
Finally, various Facts about such a transmission line are stated.
Chapter 4 uses the Helmholtz integral form of the potentials to derive the well-known transmission line
equations which are these,
∂zV(z) = - z i(z) ∂zi(z) = - yV(z) (4.12.15)

z = R + jωL y = G +jωC . (4.12.16)
In this process, the "transmission line limit" is assumed. It says that the wavelength on the line is much
longer than the transverse dimensions of the line. The analysis then yields precise meanings for the
parameters R, L, G and C. L is in fact the sum of external and internal inductance contributions Le + Li
and it turns out that Le, C and G are all related to each other in terms of a certain dimensionless real
parameter K as shown in (4.12.24). Parameters R and Li are the real and imaginary parts of the sum of
the conductor surface impedances Zs1 + Zs2. For closely spaced conductors, it is shown how quantities
like Zs1 are interpreted as perimeter averages. This chapter's analysis is first carried out assuming that the
conductors and dielectric all have the same magnetic permeability μ, but then Section 4.13 shows how to
generalize the results for arbitrary magnetic conductors and dielectric.
At this point, the transmission line parameters are clarified and are related to each other, but they are
not "known" due to the fact that their solutions involve integral equations over the transmission line
geometry. This is the typical chicken-and-egg problem one encounters in all real-world electromagnetic
problems. Apart from simple cases (such as very thin transmission line conductors), further
approximation must be made.
10
Chapter 5 describes the required approximation. It is basically a continuation of the "transmission line
limit" mentioned earlier, along with a notion of "low loss", which then allows the transmission line
problem to be reformulated as a 2D potential theory problem which we call "the transverse problem". It is
then basically a "capacitor problem" and then any transmission line geometry can be solved at least
numerically. Basically the assumption that the conductors are very good conductors transforms the
transverse Helmholtz equation into the 2D Laplace equation which is the basis of 2D potential theory.
Chapter 6 then gives a complete discussion of the exact solution, within the assumptions just mentioned,
for transmission lines consisting of two parallel solid cylindrical conductors of arbitrary diameter and
arbitrary relative (but not intersecting) position. This includes twin-lead lines with equal and unequal
conductor diameters as well as on- and off-centered coaxial lines. Since an infinite radius cylinder is a
plane, this discussion also obtains the exact solution for a transmission line consisting of a round wire
over a ground plane. Then the proximity and skin effects are analytically calculated for this transmission
line and the current density Jz is plotted over the wire cross section for various wire sizes, locations, and
frequencies. It is shown that Jz tracks the charge density n(θ) around the wire perimeter of each wire. At
low ω the entire model is uncertain, and it is shown why the limit ω→0 cannot be interpreted in the way
one might think. The active perimeter p and average surface impedance Zs and are then computed. The
final section comments on the proximity effect for conductors in which currents flow in the same
direction.
Chapter 7 demonstrates that the theory of Chapters 4-6 (and Appendix D for the round wire) has definite
problems at low frequencies, and explains why these problems are to be expected. It also presents a
derivation of the fact that current density Jz is uniform in a round wire at DC.
Appendix Summaries
Appendix A discusses gauge invariance and proves the existence of gauges in which div A can be set to
any arbitrary (but reasonable) scalar function, A being the vector potential appearing in B = curl A. The
notion of a Green's function or "propagator" is introduced, along with the tool of parts integration in
multiple dimensions. A few passing comments are added regarding the connection to special relativity,
covariance and quantum field theory.
Appendix B analyzes the situation in which the transmission line dielectric and conductors have different
magnetic permeability μ, a situation not treated in King's TLT book. This causes a bound magnetization
current density Jm to appear both at boundaries (as a surface current) and in the bulk conductors (as a
volume current). It is shown ("the Jm theorem") that the theory of Chapter 4 with its Helmholtz integrals
for the potentials can be "rescued" by adding just the surface component of the magnetization current Jm
to the true conduction current in the vector potential integrand. A general method is given for computing
this surface current Jm from the conduction current distribution J in the conductor, using the H field as an
intermediary. As usual, the round wire serves as a calculational example.
Appendix C concerns the seemingly mundane subject: DC properties of wires. The main issue here is
the DC inductance of wires which are treated from a stored energy viewpoint. Internal inductances are
computed for a round wire and a hollow round pipe. It is shown that even for a simple rectangular cross
section (including square), the internal inductance cannot be expressed analytically (at least using our
11
method) and a numerical calculation is required. That calculation has been done recently (2009) by
Holloway and Kuester.
Appendix D computes the E and B fields inside a round wire which is assumed to be one conductor of
a transmission line down which a traveling wave propagates at frequency ω. The solution is obtained
using azimuthal partial wave analysis. The E field Helmholtz equations are directly solved in cylindrical
coordinates, and the B field is then computed from Maxwell's curl E equation. Boundary conditions at the
wire surface are discussed. The results (D.4.13) are expressed in terms of the surface charge moment ηm
in each partial wave. The results for the m=0 partial wave are compared with the results of Chapter 2
which assumed a symmetric current distribution. A passing glance is taken at the corresponding fields
outside the wire, then the two boundary conditions are examined more closely, including consideration of
Debye surface currents. The source of the surface charge n(θ) is pondered. The dielectric is initially
assumed to be non-conducting, but then this restriction is removed. Finally the high ω and low ω limits of
the E and B fields are calculated. It is noted that the entire model is not meaningful very close to ω = 0.
Appendix E ponders the thickness of the surface charge on a conductor. It is shown that the charge
layer thickness is about 1/3 the radius of a copper atom for a copper conductor, and that this is 4000 times
smaller than the skin depth at 100 GHz.
Appendix F is an elementary discussion of the waveguide modes of a parallel plate transmission line. It
shows why there is a cutoff frequency below which no waveguide modes can operate, whereas the
"transmission line (TEM) mode" on the same structure operates all the way down to very low ω.
Appendix G computes the DC vector potential Az inside and outside a round wire carrying uniform
current. The computation is done three ways, the most difficult using the Helmholtz (Laplace) integral.
When the dielectric surrounding the wire has a μ different from that of the wire, a homogeneous solution
must be added to the Helmholtz particular integral solution. It is this homogeneous solution that is
synthesized by adding the surface magnetization current discussed in Appendix B.
Appendices H and I derive the Laplace and Helmholtz Green's Functions for the 3D and 2D Laplace
and Helmholtz differential equations. These play a major role in the entire document.
Appendix J shows how the transmission line transverse analysis replaces 3D propagators with 2D
propagators of the Helmholtz and Laplace equations. Results obtained blindly in the main document are
interpreted in terms of these Green's function propagators.
Appendix K presents the standard network model of a transmission line as the limit of a set of lumped
circuit components. By computing the characteristic impedance Z0 both from this network model and
from Maxwell's equations, it is shown that the R,L,G,C parameters of both models have the same
meaning, and this makes the connection between these network-model parameters and those obtained in
Chapter 4 from the Maxwell equations.
Appendix L considers a point charge located at the center of the cavity of a thick spherical dielectric
shell. The electrostatic problem is solved and limiting cases are obtained. The solution provides an
interpretation of how bound charge is accounted for by the dielectric constant ε in Er = (1/4πε) (q/r). This
3D analysis is then repeated in 2D for a line charge in the cavity of an infinite cylindrical shell.
12
Appendix M shows qualitatively that, in the King gauge, the vector potential transverse components At
are much smaller than the longitudinal component Az for all frequencies of transmission line interest.
Appendix N describes some subtle aspects of current flow in the presence of magnetic fields. The regular
Hall effect is treated, the notion of magnetic Ohm's law is derived, and the Hall effect is reconsidered in
light of this law. After dealing with multiple carrier types and magnetoresistance, we show that in a static
round wire carrying a current I, the longitudinal current density Jz is uniform, and there exists a radial
Hall effect inside the wire. There is a small radial electric field Er and a small free charge density ρ
inside the wire which is balanced by a small surface charge on the wire surface. The cyclotron frequency
ωc plays a major role in this discussion.
Appendix O reviews three methods for generating 2D field line plots. The first method is brute force
tracking iteration, while the second method makes use of Maple's ability to numerically solve a pair of
coupled differential equations. The third analytic method works in some cases. An example of each
method is presented.
Appendix P discusses the eddy current interpretation of the skin and proximity effects. A perturbation
expansion is developed and for small ω and the first term of this expansion is used to compute the eddy
currents in some simple cases. A thin round plate is treated analytically for a uniform then for a non-
uniform external B field. Then a series of qualitative examples leads to an explanation of the skin and
proximity effects in a transmission line as well as in generic parallel wires with same or oppositely
directed currents. It is shown why there is current crowding, and why such wires attract or repel.
Appendix Q computes the real and imaginary parts of k(ω) = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) and then evaluates
R + jωL
the limits for large and small ω. This task is then repeated for Z0(ω) = G + jωC . The general
appearance of k(ω) and Z0(ω) over a very wide range of ω is shown for Belden 8281 cable as a prototype.
Appendix R applies the theory developed in this document to a case study: Belden 8281 coaxial cable.
Appendix S shows that the conclusions of Chapter 4 are maintained for closely spaced conductors when
the various parameters of the theory are averaged over the perimeters of the conductors.
13
Symbols used in this document
Symbols are listed "alphabetically" in four groups. Some symbols have multiple meanings separated by
semicolons. The list shows the first use location of unusual symbols. The reader seeking entertainment
might compare these choices to his or her favorites. The sheer number of symbols is an indication of the
complexity hidden within a simple infinite straight transmission line.
Operators and Special Symbols

≡ is defined as ( ≈ approx. equal, ~ ballpark equal)
A•B 3D dot product
aμbμ implied summation, see for example (1.3.11)
a * b regular multiplication
a* complex conjugation
aka also known as
a ∂F sin(x)
a/b space (and effort) saving version of b . Examples: ∂F/∂t = ∂t , sin(x)/(3abσ) = 3abσ
(except where expressions are very confusing with the slash notation).
∂t partial time derivative ∂/∂t , so then ∂F/∂t = ∂tF
∂x partial spatial derivative ∂/∂x (similarly ∂y, ∂z, ∂θ, ∂r, etc. )
∂i partial spatial derivative ∂/∂xi
∂'i partial spatial derivative ∂/∂x'i
T
M transpose of matrix M
QED thus it is proved
RHS right hand side, LHS is left hand side
Σi=13 budget summation notation (fits on a single line)
v• same as dv/dt
d'Alembertian = the 4D version of -∇2. = (1/c)2∂t2 - ∇2, see (1.3.11)
@ Moon and Spencer notation for the vector Laplacian (also written ∇2) (D.1.10)
E^ Fourier Transform of E; this ^ notation is used only in Section 1.6
^
x unit vector indicator
∫
{ closed line integral, usually ∫
{ ds
Capital Latin
A vector potential (1.3.1); Azt is transverse vector potential, see (5.2.1)
A a surface area, dA = a differential piece of this area (often dS); A = Angstrom = 10-10 m
B magnetic field, see (1.1.5) (sometimes called magnetic induction)
B a bipolar coordinate used in Ch 6 (often called ξ elsewhere)
B B ≡ (ξd/εd) CVRdc, a combination of App D symbols, introduced in (D.9.36)
C generic constant name (also A,B,C,D...) ; conductor name such as C1 and C2
C capacitance (often per unit length of a transmission line)
C' complex capacitance, see (4.11.9) C'/C = qc/qs = (ξ/ε)
D diffusion constant, see App E and (3.1.1); generic transverse dimension of a transmission line
D electric displacement, see comment (5) below (1.1.18)
14
E electric field, but see Section 1.6 (f) about our heavily overloaded notations
G conductance per unit length between conductors of a transmission line
H magnetic field, see (1.1.5); H(1)(z) = Hankel function
I I = i(0), first used in (D.2.31) (total current in a wire at z = 0)
J, Ji current density and component thereof
Jc conduction current (as opposed to displacement current or polarization current)
Jm magnetization current, see (1.1.20)
Jpol polarization current, see (1.1.10)
Jm(z) Bessel function
Jμ contravariant 4-vector ( related objects Fμν, ∂μ, ∂μ, Aμ, see App A.6 and Sec 1.3 (b) )
K surface current; constant appearing in transmission line parameter calculations, see (4.4.8)
Kz surface current component in the z direction
KL see (4.10.9)
Km coefficient appearing in Appendix D
L inductance; sometimes a differential operator (such as Lx = ∂x2 or Lr )
Le external inductance of a transmission line (does not include energy storage inside conductors)
Li internal inductance of a conductor (does not include energy storage outside the conductor)
M magnetization, see (1.1.21)
Mν(z) Jν(ej3π/4z) = Mν(z) ejθν(z) for real z
Nm moment of charge density n(θ) on a round wire, see (D.1.5)
P electric polarization, see (1.1.12)
P power, P = IV, see (C.3.3); total conductor perimeter
Q total charge on something
R resistance, often per unit length; distance between two 3D points (R = |x-x'| )
Rdc DC resistance of a conductor (per length). For a round wire of radius a, Rdc = 1/(σπa2).
RH Hall coefficient, see (N.2.4)
S a surface area, dS = a differential piece of this area, dS = dS ^
n ; sign of -Im(Z0) in (Q.6.1)
Tz stream function (also T); T is the current vector potential, see (P.3.7) and text above
T thickness; temperature; TF = Fermi temperature
U energy stored in an inductor, U = (1/2)L I2 , see (C.3.4)
V voltage; sometimes volume, differential dV. When mixed, volume is V or dV
VH Hall voltage, see (N.2.6)
V(z) Δφ between transmission line conductors at some z, see (4.4.1)
W(z) ΔAz between conductors at some z, see (4.10.1)
W width of something
X reactance XC = 1/(ωC), XL ≡ ωLe, see (4.12.24)
Zs surface impedance, see Section 2.4
Z0 characteristic impedance of a transmission line, see (4.4.12) and (K.4)
Zm intrinsic impedance of a medium = μ/ε , see (4.4.14)
Zfs impedance of free space (377Ω), see (1.1.29)
Zm complex intrinsic impedance of a medium = μ/ξ , see end of Section 4.4 (not used)
15
Lower Case Latin:

a radius of a round wire (a1 and a2 if there are two round wires)
am coefficient appearing in Appendix D
b distance between centers of a transmission line made of two round wires
b(x,y) transverse current density in a conductor, normalized to 1
bern(z) Kelvin function [also bein(z)] , Jν(ej3π/4z) = berν(z) + j beiν(z) for real z, see (2.3.1)
c speed of light in vacuum
ch cosh
cof cofactor matrix ( as in c-1 = cof(cT)/det(c) for matrix c )
curl curl (sometimes written as ∇ x )
d diameter of a round wire (d1 and d2 if there are two round wires); bipolar focal distance
dS differential vector Surface area (scalar is dS, but sometimes written as dA) (A = vector potential)
ds differential distance along a curve (written elsewhere as dl ) ; scalar distance is ds
dSξ local Stakgold surface area element in n dimensions with ξ the normal direction
dV differential volume ; differential voltage
det determinant of a matrix
div divergence (sometimes written as ∇ • )
e electron charge, e = - |e| ; e = 2.71
em a combination of Bessel functions, see (D.4.9)
exp(z) ez
f frequency; generic function name
fm a combination of Bessel functions, see (D.2.33)
gm a combination of Bessel functions, see (D.2.33)
grad gradient (sometimes written as ∇ )
g(x|x') Green's function (aka a Green function or propagator); sometimes written g(x,x') or g(x,t; x',t')
hm a combination of Bessel functions, see (D.2.33)
h height of something, like wire center line above a plane; Planck's constant
i(z) total current in a conductor at location z, first used in (4.7.3) and (4.7.5); i(0) = I in App D.
j -1 , see comment above (D.1.3)
k sometimes used for a wavenumber (kφ, kA, k in App D, etc. ); Boltzmann's constant
k(x,x') kernel in an integral equation or integral expression
m meter; partial wave label in Appendix D; mass of particle (an electron)
n surface charge density; normal vector (n); normal component (En); electron density (ne)
n(θ) surface charge density on a round conductor which is part of a transmission line
n surface charge per unit perimeter distance of a conductor (Cou/m); sometimes per angle
nfree free surface charge (does not include any polarization charge)
ns same as nfree
nc transport surface charge density, see (1.5.17): nc = (ξ/ε)ns
p active perimeter length; momentum
q generic point charge
q(z) total charge per unit length on a conductor at location z, first used in (4.1.2) and (4.1.4)
r radial variable for cylindrical coordinates (ρ is charge density) ; sometimes spherical r
s(x) generic source function, see for example (H.1.8)
sh sinh
16
sij a 2D distance between points i and j

t time; thickness of something
t as subscript means either tangential (Et) or transverse (Et)
tanL loss tangent see (3.3.2) ( appears as tanδ in other sources, aka dissipation factor)
th tanh
u energy density in a magnetic field, u = (1/2) B•H, see (C.3.1) ; generic function name
vd speed of light in a dielectric (sometimes just v )
v drift velocity of electrons in a conductor, see App N; sometimes v = generic velocity
w width of something (sometimes means ω in Maple programs)
x,xa x = β'r, xa = β'a, see (D.2.33)
x,x' generic points in 3D space (sometimes written r,r')
^
x y, ^
unit vector in the x direction (similarly ^ θ, ^
n etc.)
y admittance per unit length of a transmission line see (4.12.15)
z impedance per unit length of a transmission line see (4.12.15)
z longitudinal dimension of a transmission line or round wire; generic Bessel Function argument
Greek // pseudo-alphabetical
α(x,y) transverse charge density in a conductor, normalized to 1 (is delta function on surface)
β wavenumber inside a transmission line conductor, see (1.5.1c)
βd wavenumber for dielectric surrounding transmission line conductors, see (1.5.1a)
βd0 wavenumber for non-conducting dielectric, see (1.5.1b)
β' β'2 ≡ β2 - k2 see (D.2.2)
∂ partial derivative (see operator list above)
δ(x) Dirac delta function; δ(r) = 3D delta function
δ skin depth, see (2.2.20)
δi,j Kronecker delta
ε absolute electric permeability (ε = ε0 in vacuum), ε = ε' - jε"; a small real quantity ε>0
εrel ε/ε0
εijk permutation tensor
ξ complex electric permeability (1.5.1) (ξ = ε - σ/jω); ξ = a bipolar coordinate called B in Ch. 6
ξ Stakgold n-1 dimensional coordinate of a point on a surface σ
φ scalar potential, see (1.3.1); φt is the transverse scalar potential, see (5.1.1)
κ = 1/μ, inverse mobility, see (N.8.1)
λ wavelength
λD Debye length, see Appendix E
Λ generic gauge function (Appendix A.2); arbitrary large cutoff value, see (J.10)
ηm normalized moment of charge density on a round wire, see (D.2.30)
π 3.14 ( = Pi in Maple V)
ρ charge density (Cou/m3); resistivity ρ = 1/σ (ohm-m);
ρfree free charge density
ρpol polarization charge density, see (1.1.11)
σ conductivity (surface charge therefore is n, not σ) ; standard deviation; Stakgold surface label
σeff effective conductivity see (3.3.4)
θ azimuthal angle for cylindrical coordinates (φ is scalar potential)
17
θν(z) Jν(ej3π/4z) = Mν(z) ejθν(z) for real z

θ(a>b) Heaviside step function, normally written θ(a-b) or H(a-b) : θ(a>b>c) = θ(a>b) θ(b>c)
τ collision time, see Appendix N
μ absolute magnetic permeability (μ=μ0 in vac) ; carrier mobility in App N; mean value; microns
ω angular frequency
ωc cyclotron frequency, see (N.3.1)
χe,χm electric and magnetic susceptibility
18
Chapter 1: Basic Equations
In this chapter we state the basic equations to be used later in the calculation of transmission line
parameters and in the exploration of transmission line behavior.
1.1 Maxwell's Equations in a Conducting Dielectric Medium
Our working set of equations is the following:
curl H = ∂tD + J Maxwell curl H equation (J = Jc) (1.1.1)
curl E = - ∂tB Maxwell curl E equation (1.1.2)
div D = ρ Maxwell div D equation (ρ = ρfree) (1.1.3)
div B = 0 Maxwell div B equation (1.1.4)
B = μH magnetic permeability μ (1.1.5)
D = εE electric permeability ε (dielectric constant) (1.1.6)
J = σE Ohm's Law (σ = conductivity) (1.1.7)
div J = - ∂tρ Equation of Continuity (see item 7 below) (1.1.8)
(a) Notes on Maxwell's Equations
Although Maxwell's equations ("the Maxwell equations") provide a concise overview of classical
electrodynamics, there is lot going on "under the hood" and clarification of the meaning of certain
symbols seems useful, hence the following set of notes.
0. It is understood that, in a medium other than the vacuum (that is, a "ponderable" medium), all the
mathematical fields shown above like E, D, B, H, J, ρ (and later A and φ) are average fields in the sense
discussed in Jackson Sections 4.3 and 6.6. The partial differential equations are meaningful for
differential volumes, areas and distances which are very small but still contain enough atoms or molecules
(perhaps at least 1000) so that averaging makes sense. We shall refer to the various electric and magnetic
fields as "fields" to distinguish them from "potentials" like A and φ, though all these quantities are
mathematical fields.
1. The equations above are all expressed in SI units. The connection with cgs/Gaussian units is explained
in an Appendix present in all three of the Jackson Classical Electrodynamics editions. The above
equations appear in Jackson's third edition at these locations,
19
(1.1.1) through (1.14): p 2 (I.1a) Maxwell's Equations

(1.1.5) and (1.16): p 296 top line permeability constitutive relations
(1.1.7) p 219 (5.159) Ohm's Law constitutive relation J = σE
(1.1.8) p 3 (I.2) equation of continuity
2. All media (conductors, dielectrics between conductors) are assumed to be homogeneous and isotropic
so that the quantities σ, ε and μ are constant scalars in space (not tensors) for a given medium. In the
vacuum these constants take the values σ = 0, ε = ε0 and μ = μ0. An implication of σ, μ and ε being
constants in space is that they pass through the div, curl, grad and ∇2 operators just as would any constant
like π. One must be a little careful at a boundary between homogenous media since these constants can be
different in the two media. In principle, all three quantities can vary in time, and when transformed to the
frequency domain, σ(ω), ε(ω) and μ(ω) can (and do) vary with ω. However, we shall assume that for our
frequencies of interest, these quantities are constant in ω and are therefore also constant in time so they
pass through ∂t.
3. The difference between ε and ε0 is caused by polarization of bound charge in a medium. Equations
dealing with polarization are these [ see Jackson pp 153-4 or Panofsky & Phillips pp 28-30 and p 129-130
on the polarization current ] :
PdV = electric dipole moment contained in volume dV of a dielectric (1.1.9)
Jpol ≡ ∂tP = polarization current density (1.1.10)
ρpol = - div P = polarization charge density (1.1.11)
P = ε0χeE // polarization assumed proportional to the polarizing E field (1.1.12)
D = ε0E + P = ε0(1 + χe)E = ε E = "the electric displacement " (1.1.13)
ε = ε0(1 + χe) // ε = dielectric constant, χe = electric susceptibility (1.1.14)
div E = (1/ε0)(div D - div P) = (1/ε0)(ρfree + ρol) . "E sees all charges" (1.1.15)
The E field causes polarization P either by causing existing tiny dipole objects (e.g., molecules) in a
medium to "line up", or by causing tiny non-dipole objects (e.g., atoms) to have dipole moments and then
those get lined up. See for example Bleaney & Bleaney Chapter 10 " Dielectrics".
Comment: Since D = ε0E + P, the D and E fields are scaled differently. It might have been better had the
D field been replaced by D = ε0D' in which case D' = E + P/ε0; then one can make clearer statements
about D' versus E. For example, in a dielectric capacitor with fixed conductor charges (Q,-Q) there exist
both D' and E fields, and D' = (ε/ε0) E > E. The D' field can be interpreted as the E field that would be
present were the dielectric replaced by empty space. The dielectric in effect shields the charge, reducing E
and hence V, does not change Q, and, since Q = CV, it increases capacitance C by (ε/ε0) for fixed Q.
20
4. As noted in (1.1.3), the ρ in div D = ρ is the free charge density ρfree and does not include possible
polarization charge density. In contrast, the E field "sees" both free charge ρfree and polarization charge
ρpol , as derived above in (1.1.15) from (1.1.13),
div E = (1/ε0) ( ρfree + ρpol) = (1/ε) ρfree . (1.1.16)
In the rightmost expression, the polarization charge is incorporated into the 1/ε factor. Appendix L shows
how this works physically in the case of point and line charges embedded in a dielectric.
5. The J in curl H = ∂tD + J is the conduction current Jc . If polarization current Jpol is present, it is
included in the "displacement current" term ∂tD along with the Maxwell "vacuum polarization current"
Jvac = ε0∂tE . That is,
Jd ≡ ∂tD = ∂t[ε0E + P] = ∂tP + ε0∂tE = Jpol + Jvac ρpol = - div P . (1.1.17)
The Jvac term ε0∂tE was "added" by Maxwell to the curl H equation (Ampere's Law) to make it self-
consistent. Since div curl H = 0, and since curl H = Jd + Jc, one must have div [Jd + Jc] = 0 :
div [Jd + Jc] = div [∂tP + ε0∂tE] + div[Jc] = ∂t[div P + ε0 div E] - ∂tρfree
= ∂t(-ρpol) + ∂t(ρfree + ρpol) - ∂tρfree = 0 (1.1.18)
where we have used continuity div Jc = -∂tρfree, see item 7 below.
Comment on "Displacement": In the case of polar molecule polarization, the polarization charge and
current can be viewed as being caused by a "displacement of bound charge" as suggested by this very
symbolic picture of a parallel plate capacitor
Fig 1.1
The applied E field of the plates lines up the polar molecules and thus causes a polarization charge
density npol to appear on the side faces of the dielectric, as if it were an "electret" object. One can
imagine that, with an AC plate voltage, as the applied E field changes to the other polarity, the polar
molecules rotate in place 180 degrees putting the positive bound charge on the opposite plate, and as this
happens, there is a polarization current Jpol = ∂tP inside the dielectric. In reality, the molecules are close
21
to randomly oriented and the above effect is obtained for the "average" molecule. In any event, the E field
causes surface polarization charge densities npol at the faces of the dielectric, and one then thinks of the
normally neutral-everywhere bound charge distribution as being "displaced" such that one face has
positive charge and the other negative. It is in this sense that Maxwell started using the word
"displacement". Before the Jvac term was added, Maxwell had Jd ≡ ∂tD = Jpol and this associated ∂tD
entirely with Jpol and thus with the displacement of the dielectric bound charge, and so Maxwell referred
to D as the "electric displacement" and ∂tD as the "displacement current".
Fig 1.1 shows how the polarization charge acts to shield the free charge, so ntot = nfree - npol.
6. If there is any magnetization current Jm = curl M, it is absorbed into the distinction between B and H
and therefore does not appear on the right side of curl H = ∂tD + Jc . The current Jm is discussed for
example in Panofsky & Phillips, Sections 7-12, 7-13 and 8-1. The basic equations are as follows,
MdV = magnetic dipole moment contained in volume dV of a medium (1.1.19)
Jm = curl M = magnetization current density ( => div Jm = 0) (1.1.20)
M = χm H = magnetization // = [μ/μ0- 1] H from (1.1.23) (1.1.21)
B = μ0(H+M) = μ0(1+χm)H = μH = "magnetic induction" (informally, magnetic field) (1.1.22)
μ = μ0(1+χm) // μ = magnetic permeability, χm = magnetic susceptibility (1.1.23)
curl B = μ0(curlH + curlM) = μ0(∂tD + Jc) + μ0Jm
= μ0(∂tD + Jc + Jm) . " B sees all currents" (1.1.24)
7. The "equation of continuity" (1.1.8) expresses the fact that charge cannot be created or destroyed.
Barring ionization of a dielectric, free charge and bound charge (polarization charge) cannot be converted
into each other and are therefore separately conserved. Thus we have several different equations of
continuity: [ see for example Haus and Melcher, Section 6.2, equations (10) and (13) ]
div Jc = -∂tρfree // conservation of free charge (aka true or unpaired charge) (1.1.25)
div Jp = -∂tρpol // conservation of polarization charge (aka bound or paired charge) (1.1.26)
div [Jc+ Jp] = - ∂t[ρfree + ρpol] = - ∂tρtot // sum of above two equations (1.1.27)
div [Jc+ Jd] = 0 ≠ -∂tρtot // reminder of item 5 above (1.1.18)
8. Ohm's Law J = σE is assumed to be a valid constitutive relation for our media of interest. One should
keep in mind that this is an approximation, whereas the Maxwell equations and the continuity equations
are not. Just under the surface charge on a conductor, Ohm's Law is violated as discussed in Appendix E
due to a diffusion current generated by charges piled up at the surface. Ohm's Law is also violated in the
22
presence of very strong magnetic fields as shown in (N.4.10). In this case one can say that Ohm's Law is
still valid, but σ is a tensor instead of a scalar.
9. As will be shown in Section 3.1, inside a medium such as a dielectric or a conductor, and at frequencies
of interest to us, there can exist no net charge densities, so ρfree = 0. In a dielectric there are no available
free charges, while in a conductor, any departure from neutrality would be instantly restored. All free
charge densities for our application reside on the surfaces of conductors only. If we were interested in the
behavior of a transmission line embedded in a charged plasma, things would be different.
10. As noted in item 1, all our equations are expressed in Système Internationale (SI) units. In this system,
formerly known as "rationalized m.k.s.", the speed of light is concealed in the symbols μ0 and ε0. Here
are the usual historical names given to the symbols appearing in our equations, along with one or more
expressions of the SI units for each symbol:
E = electric field (volts/m)

H = magnetic field (amp/m)
D = electric displacement (coulomb/m2, same units as surface charge)
B = magnetic field (tesla = amp-henry/m2 = volt-sec/m2 = weber/m2) 1 tesla = 10,000 gauss
2
J = current density (amps/m )
ρ = charge density (coulombs/m3)
σ = conductivity of the medium (mho/m = ohm-1/m)
μ/μ0 = relative magnetic permeability of the medium (dimensionless)
ε/ε0 = relative electric permittivity = relative dielectric constant (dimensionless)
μ0 = permeability of free space = 4π x 10-7 henry/m
ε0 = permittivity of free space = 8.8541877 x 10-12 farad/m (1.1.28)
Here are some unit relations obtainable from Q = CV, V = IR, LC = 1/ω2 , τ = RC = L/R, I = dQ/dt :
coulomb = farad-volt volt = ampere-ohm henry-farad = sec2

farad = sec/ohm henry = ohm-sec henry / farad = ohm2
ampere = coulomb/sec mho = ohm-1 mho/F = sec-1
newton = coulomb-volt/m = kg-m/sec2 // F = qE = ma amp-henry = volt-sec
c = 1/ μ0 ε0 = 2.9979246 x 108 m/sec = speed of light
Zfs = μ0/ε0 = 376.73032 ohms = "impedance of free space"
σ = 5.81 x 107 mho/m for copper (1.1.29)
Notice how the names of eight people have become forever embedded into the SI unit system.
Comment: Inevitably, any given author will at some point refer to both B and H as "the magnetic field".
We shall do that throughout, using the historical symbols B or H to indicate which "kind" of magnetic
23
field we are talking about. Some authors refer to B as the magnetic flux density or the magnetic induction
to distinguish B from H.
(b) Integral Forms of Maxwell's Equations and Continuity
The equations above involving the divergence and curl operators have integral forms thanks to these two
fundamental mathematical theorems which have nothing to do with electromagnetism in particular,
∫V div F dV = ∫S F • dS // "the divergence theorem" Spiegel 22.59 (1.1.30)
∫S curl F • dS = ∫
{C F • ds // "Stokes's theorem" Spiegel 22.60 (1.1.31)
Fig 1.2
The first theorem involves a closed boundary surface S which encloses a volume V and says that the
volume integral of div F over V equals the surface integral of F over S. The second involves a closed
bounding curve C (possibly non-planar) which bounds an arbitrary open surface S (also possibly non-
planar) and says that the line integral of F around C equals the surface integral of curl F over S. In the
divergence theorem, dS points "out" from the volume, and in Stokes's Theorem, the direction of dS and ds
are related by the right-hand rule where fingers fit the boundary curve and the thumb gives the direction
of dS. In both theorems the differential vector area patch is dS = dS ^
n where ^
n is normal to the surface.
Both theorems have meanings in n-dimensional space, but our interest is mainly n = 3. Both theorems
are not hard to derive and this is done in textbooks usually by breaking up the surface into tiny squares
and the volume into tiny cubes. Once one sees these derivations, the theorems become less mysterious.
In general terms, the divergence theorem says that div F is somehow a source of the field F and the
amount of F flowing out through a closed bounding surface equals the amount of F that is generated
inside the volume. When F is the electric field E, the divergence theorem is called Gauss's Law and says
24
that the total electric flux "flowing out" [ that is to say, ∫S E•dS ] equals the total of the source inside the
volume [ (1/ε)∫V ρ dV ], usually called "the total charge enclosed". Thus,
div D = ρ ⇔ ∫V ρ dV = ∫S D • dS (1.1.32)
div E = ρ/ε ⇔ ∫V ρ dV = ∫S ε E • dS . (1.1.33)
Since the magnetic field has no corresponding charge, one always has ∫S B • dS = 0, a theorem which
seems to have no name,
div B = 0 ⇔ ∫S B • dS = 0 . S is any closed surface (1.1.34)
The surface integral of an E or B field is often referred to as the total electric or magnetic "flux" passing
through the surface, even though nothing is really flowing in a mechanical sense.
The divergence operator also occurs in the equation of continuity (1.1.8) so we have
div J = - ∂tρ ⇔ - ∂t[∫V ρ dV] = ∫S J • dS . (1.1.35)
This is the prototype application of the divergence theorem in that it is easily understandable: the total
electric current flowing out through some closed surface S must equal the rate at which the total charge
inside the surface is decreasing. One can write a similar statement for mass flowing out from a volume in
which ρ would be the mass density and J = ρv the mass current, v being the velocity field.
The Stokes theorem is a bit more mysterious. Since this theorem is associated with George Stokes, it is
called Stokes's theorem, but is sometimes called Stokes' theorem (one would not say Gauss' theorem).
The curl of a vector field is associated with the amount of "rotation" the field has at some point in space,
and in fact curl is sometimes written Rot. If one considers a tiny patch and finds that the line integral of
the field around the boundary of that patch is non-zero, then the vector field has a non-zero curl at that
point in the direction normal to the patch. At any point where a fluid has a vortex, the curl is non-zero, for
example. When Stokes's theorem is applied to the electric field, one has
curl E = - ∂tB ⇔ ∫
{ C E • ds = -∂t[∫S B • dS] . (1.1.36)
This says that the voltage induced around a closed loop (the "electromotive force") is proportional to the
rate of change of the magnetic flux through that loop, a principle known as Faraday's Law of Induction.
If water power rotates a wire loop in the presence of some magnets, one has an electric generator.
25
On the other hand, when Stokes's theorem is applied to the magnetic field, one gets
curl H = ∂tD + J ⇔ ∫
{ C H • ds = ∫S [∂tD+J] • dS (1.1.37)
curl B = με ∂tE + μJ ⇔ ∫
{ C B • ds = μ ∫S [ε ∂t E + J] • dS (1.1.38)
μ constant in space, ε constant in time
When the situation is static, one has ∫

{ H • ds = ∫S dS • J which says the line integral of the magnetic
field H around some loop equals the total current passing through any open surface whose boundary is
that loop (the "current enclosed"), a principle known as Ampere's Law.
Later we shall encounter a certain "vector potential A" which is related to the B field by B = curl A.
Since we are writing out "integral forms" of differential relationships, we can then add this to the list,
curl A = B ⇔ ∫
{ C A • ds = ∫S B • dS . (1.1.39)
If the bounding curve C were a wire carrying a current I which creates both A and B, then both sides of
the above integral form will be proportional to I, and the constant of proportionality is by definition the
self-inductance L of the loop,
∫
{ C A • ds = ∫S B • dS = [magnetic flux through surface S] = L I . (1.1.40)
There are of course many surfaces S which span a given curve C, and (1.1.39) says that all such surfaces
give exactly the same ∫S B • dS and thus the same L, so L is really a geometric property of the curve C.
We shall be using all these integral forms in the document below.
26
(c) Rules for behavior of fields and potentials at a boundary
Consider the boundary between two different media called 1 and 2. Consider a tiny red "math loop" of
width L and height 2s which straddles the media boundary which here is seen edge on,
Fig 1.3
For the electric field we have from above (for our loop, dS = dS ^
z)
curl E = - ∂tB ⇔ ∫
{ E • ds = - [∫S (∂tB) • dS] . (1.1.36)
Since the loop is tiny and since the fields are assumed to be non-singular, we can regard E and B as a
constant everywhere on each half of the loop (for our purposes here). The line integral around the loop is
then (start at lower left corner)
∫
{ E • ds = LEx(2) + s Ey(2) + s Ey(1) – LEx(1) - s Ey(1) - s Ey(2)
= L [Ex(2)- Ex(1)] .
The area integral on the right side of (1.1.36) is
-∫S (∂tB) • dS = - ∂tBz(1) sL - ∂tBz(2) sL = - sL [∂tBz(1) + ∂tBz(2)]
so the integral form in (1.1.36) says
[Ex(2)- Ex(1)] L = - s L [∂t Bz(1) + ∂t Bz(2)] .
As long as ∂tBz is finite at the surface, as s→0 the right side vanishes and we conclude that
[Ex(2)- Ex(1)] = 0 .
We then summarize for both the x and z directions by saying (t means tangential to boundary)
Et1 = Et2 or (1/ε1)Dt1 = (1/ε2)Dt2 (1.1.41)
so the tangential (parallel) components of the electric field is continuous through a boundary.
27
A similar analysis using the curl H equation,
curl H = ∂tD + J ⇔ ∫
{ H • ds = ∫S [∂t D+J] • dS (1.1.37)
leads to
[Hx(2)- Hx(1)] L = s L [∂t Dz(1) + Jz(1) + ∂t Dz(2) + Jz(2)] .
As long as ∂tDx and Jx are finite (non-singular) at the surface, we conclude from s→0 that
Ht1 = Ht2 or (1/μ1)Bt1 = (1/μ2)Bt2 . (1.1.42)
However, it is possible to have J be singular at the surface in the form of a surface current K where
J = K δ(y) J = amp/m2 K = amp/m (1.1.43)
and in this case we find that
[Hx(2)- Hx(1)] L = ∫S [J] • dS = ∫S K δ(y) • dS ^

z = ∫S Kz δ(y) dx dy = ∫S Kz dx ≈ KzL .
Were we to rotate the Fig 1.3 red loop -90o about the y axis, we would instead get
[Hz(2)- Hz(1)] L = ∫S [J] • dS = ∫S K δ(y) • dS [-x

^] = - ∫S Kx δ(y) dx dy = - ∫S Kx dx ≈ -KxL
where a minus sign appears on the right. Letting x or z be the transverse direction t, we can combine the
above equations into the single statement
Ht2(2)- Ht1(1) = Kfree • [^t x ^

n] = Kfree • ^
τ ≡ Kτfree ^
τ ≡ ^t x ^
n
where unit vector ^τ ≡ ^t x ^

n is "the other" transverse unit vector relative to ^t . As usual, ^
n is a normal unit
vector pointing from medium 2 into medium 1 ( ^ y in Fig 1.3). To summarize, we have shown that
Ht2 - Ht1 = Kτfree or (1/μ2)Bt2 - (1/μ1)Bt1 = Kτfree (1.1.44)
Notice that this Kτ is a "free" surface current, and not a bound magnetization surface current since such a
magnetization current is not "seen" by H.
Because div B = 0, B can be written as B = curl A where A is the so-called vector potential discussed
below in (1.3.1). In the special case that A = Az(x,y) ^
z , one finds that
B = curl A = ^
x (∂yAz - ∂zAy) + ^
y (∂zAx - ∂xAz) + ^
z (∂xAy - ∂yAx) = ^
x (∂yAz) - ^
y (∂xAz)
=> Bx = (∂yAz) By = - ^
y (∂xAz) Bz = 0 . (1.1.45)
28
According to (1.1.44) one has,
(1/μ2)Bx2 - (1/μ1)Bx1 = Kzfree

(1/μ2)Bz2 - (1/μ1)Bz1 = - Kxfree .
For our special case A = Az^

z the second equation says Kxfree = 0 since Bz1 = Bz2 = 0. The first equation
may be written
(1/μ2) (∂nA2z) - (1/μ1) (∂nA1z) = Kzfree (1.1.46)
where ^n (here ^y ) is the usual normal vector (pointing into medium 1) and z is the direction in which A
points. If μ1= μ2= μ0, we have (∂nAz)2 - (∂nAz)1 = μ0Kz and Kz is then proportional to the normal slope
jump in Az at the boundary surface. As earlier, Kz is a "free" surface current.
Next, we put a tiny "Gaussian pillbox" straddling the two media. Area A and height 2s are both very
small.
Gaussian Pillbox a pill box circa 1830

Fig 1.4
For the electric displacement D we consider
div D = ρfree ⇔ ∫V ρfree dV = ∫S D • dS (1.1.13)
where volume V is of the box shown. The surface integral is
∫S D • dS = Dy(1)A - Dy(2)A + contributions from the sides of the box .
Since we assume D is non-singular, the side contributions vanish as s→ 0 since the side area vanishes.
Assuming a charge density nfree exists on the boundary between the two media, the volume integral is
nfreeA and then the conclusion, generalized to the perpendicular field component, is
Dn1 - Dn2 = nfree or [ε1E1n - ε2E2n] = nfree (1.1.47)
where ^
n points into medium 1. If the two media are conducting dielectrics with Ohm's law Jc = σE, we
can apply continuity (1.1.25) to the Gaussian box to find that
29
div Jc = - ∂tρfree ⇔ -∂t[∫V ρfree dV] = ∫S Jc • dS (1.1.35)
so that
-∂tnfree = [Jn1- Jn2] = σ1En1 - σ2En2
or for monochrome time dependence (coming soon, along with notation explanation),
-jω nfree = σ1En1 - σ2En2 . // frequency domain
Recall now from (1.1.47) that
nfree = ε1En1- ε2En2 . (1.1.47)
Adding the last equation to 1/jω times the previous equation gives
0 = [ε1 + σ1/jω] En1 - [ε2 + σ2/jω]En2 .
In terms of the complex dielectric constants ξi ≡ εi + σi/jω this says that 0 = ξ1En1 - ξ2En2 so that
ξ1En1 = ξ2En2 . // frequency domain (1.1.48)
In the limit that, say, medium 2 becomes a perfect conductor, ξ2 ≈ σ2/jω → ∞ and En2 → 0, but the
product is maintained equal to ξ1En1 .
Returning again to the special case in which vector potential A = Az^

z , since E = -∇φ - ∂tA ( as shown
in (1.3.1) ), we have Ey = - ∂yφ since Ay = 0. In terms of Fig 1.3 where y is the direction normal to the
surface, one has En = - ∂nφ and then (1.1.47) may be written
ε2(∂nφ)2 - ε1(∂nφ)1 = nfree (1.1.49)
which can be compared to (1.1.46). If ε1 = ε2 = ε0, we have (∂nφ)2 - (∂nφ)1 = nfree/ε0 and then nfree is
proportional to the normal slope jump in φ at the boundary surface.
Finally, the other divergence equation
div B = 0 ⇔ ∫S B • dS = 0 S is any closed surface (1.1.34)
leads to the conclusion that
Bn1 = Bn2 or μ1Hn1 = μ2Hn2 . (1.1.50)
30
We now summarize these rules in a box, always assuming that there is no singularity in some quantity to
invalidate the claims:
Rules for continuity of normal and tangential fields at a boundary: (1.1.51)
The fields here are either F(x,t) or F(x,ω), except(1.1.48) which is only for E(x,ω) :
t = tangential = parallel = || : ^
τ ≡ ^t x ^
n
Et1 = Et2 or (1/ε1)Dt1 = (1/ε2)Dt2 (1.1.41)
Ht2 - Ht1 = Kτfree or (1/μ2)Bt2 - (1/μ1)Bt1 = Kτfree (1.1.44)
Special case A = Az(x,y) ^

z: (1/μ2) (∂nAz)2 - (1/μ1) (∂nAz)1 = Kzfree (1.1.46)
n = normal = perpendicular = ⊥ : ( symbol n is also used for surface charge density)
Bn1 = Bn2 or μ1Hn1 = μ2 Hn2 (1.1.50)
Dn1 - Dn2 = nfree or [ε1En1 - ε2En2] = nfree (1.1.47)
and for monochrome time dependence: ξ1En1 = ξ2En2 where ξ = ε + σ/jω (1.1.48)
Special case A = Az ^
z: ε2(∂nφ)2 - ε1(∂nφ)1 = nfree (1.1.49)
Tangential and normal boundary conditions can always be written in the following manner,
Ft1 = Ft2 ⇔ n x F1 = n x F2
Fn1 = Fn2 ⇔ n • F1 = n • F2 (1.1.52)
as can be seen by expanding F = Fn^ n + Ft^t and noting that ^

n x ^t = 0 and ^
n •^
n = 1. The E and B
boundary conditions in the above table appear as follows in King (1945), page 204 (obtained from the
University of Utah's robotic automated retrieval center ARC),
where ^
n1 = - ^
n2, (n,F) = n • F , [n,F] = n x F , and ν = 1/μ.
31
1.2 The Field Wave Equations
In the following, quantities μ and ε are treated as constants, independent of space and time.
The E wave equation may be derived using these steps :
curl E = - ∂tB // Maxwell (1.1.2)
curl curl E = -∂tcurl B = -μ∂t[curl H] = -μ∂t[ ∂tD + J ] // curl both sides and Maxwell (1.1.1)
grad divE - ∇2E = -μ∂t[ ∂t[εE] + J ] // vector identity on left and D = εE
(∇2 - με∂t2)E = μ∂tJ + (1/ε) grad ρ . // div E = ρ/ε
The B wave equation uses these steps :
curl H = ∂tD + J // Maxwell (1.1.1)
curl curl H = curl [∂tD] + curl J // curl both sides
grad div H - ∇2H = ε ∂t(curl E) + curl J // vector identity on left and D = εE
(1/μ)grad div B - ∇2H = εμ ∂t(-∂tH) + curl J // Maxwell (1.1.2) and B = μH twice
(∇2 - με ∂t2)H = - curl J // since div B = 0 (1.1.4)
The two results are then
(∇2 - με ∂t2)E = μ∂tJ + (1/ε) grad ρ (1.2.1)
(∇2 - με ∂t2)B = - μ curl J (1.2.2)
which agree with Jackson p 246 (6.49) and (6.50). Recall that με = 1/v2 where v is the speed of light in
the medium of interest. These two equations are undamped driven wave equations.
32
1.3 The Potential Wave Equations
(a) The Potential Wave Equations in the Lorenz gauge
It is possible to work with the scalar and vector potentials φ and A instead of the fields E and B. If φ and
A can be determined, then E and B are fully determined by (1.3.1) below. However, in the other direction,
if E and B are known, then φ and A are determined only up to a certain "gauge transformation" degree of
freedom, a subject discussed in Appendix A. The fields E and B are physically observable quantities
while the potentials φ and A in general are not and should be regarded as intermediate "helper" functions.
In SI units, the E and B fields are obtained from φ and A in this manner : [ Jackson p 239 (6.7) and (6.9)]
B = curl A E = - grad φ - ∂tA . (1.3.1)
A = vector potential (tesla-m = amp-henry/m = volt-sec/m) E = volt/m

φ = scalar potential (volts) B = tesla .
Appendix A (Fact 4) shows that there is a continuum of possible choices (φ,A) all of which give the same
physical fields (E,B) according to (1.3.1). It turns out that, along this continuum, div A takes different
functional forms. Fact 4 shows that there always exists a choice (φ,A) for which div A = any function one
wants! Selecting f(x) for div A = f(x) is called "making a gauge choice". Different gauge choices just
result in different (φ,A) potentials, but always the same (E,B). In the following derivations of the wave
equations for A and φ, we shall be making a certain gauge choice as indicated.
The following steps are used to develop the φ wave equation. In the vacuum one has μ = μ0 and ε = ε0
and με = 1/c2 and these are the parameters one sees in the Jackson equation references below.
E = - grad φ - ∂tA // (1.3.1) [= Jackson (6.9)]
div E = - div grad φ - ∂t (div A) // take div of both sides
∇2φ + ∂t[div A] = -ρ/ε // div E = ρ/ε [= Jackson (6.10)] (1.3.2)
(∇2 - με ∂t2)φ = - (1/ε)ρ . // apply gauge choice divA = - με ∂tφ
And the following steps are used to develop the A wave equation:
curl H = ∂tD + J // Maxwell (1.1.1)
(1/μ) curl curl A = με ∂tE + J // H = B/μ , B = curl A from (1.3.1), and D = εE
grad divA - ∇2A = με ∂t[- grad φ - ∂tA] + μJ // vector identity and (1.3.1) E = - grad φ - ∂tA
(∇2 - με ∂t2) A = grad [με ∂tφ + divA ] - μJ // [ = Jackson (6.11) ] (1.3.3)
(∇2 - με ∂t2)A = - μJ . // apply same gauge choice divA = - με ∂tφ
33
The results are then
(∇2 - με ∂t2)φ = - (1/ε)ρ [ = Jackson (6.15) ] (1.3.4)

(∇2 - με ∂t2)A = - μJ [ = Jackson (6.16) ] (1.3.5)
divA = - με ∂tφ . [ = Jackson (6.14) ] // Lorenz Gauge (1.3.6)
As discussed in the comment below, this gauge choice is now called the Lorenz Gauge. One should notice
how the gauge choice decouples the two wave equations (1.3.2) and (1.3.3) so one resulting equation only
involves φ and ρ, while the other involves only A and J. We end up then with undamped driven wave
equations with simple driving terms. Note that ρ = ρfree (does not include polarization charge ρpol) and
that J = Jc (does not include magnetization current Jm). In effect, ρpol and Jm are incorporated into the
constants ε and μ.
Comment 1: For perhaps 100 years pretty much all (non-Danish) papers and textbooks (including
Jackson's first two editions in 1962 and 1975 and the initial six printings of his 1998 third edition)
referred to the Lorenz gauge as the Lorentz gauge, and it was then convenient to say that the Lorentz
gauge condition is Lorentz invariant since it transforms as a scalar equation under Lorentz
transformations. Now we have to say that the Lorenz gauge is Lorentz invariant because Lorentz was
mistakenly credited for first using this gauge condition, see Jackson's note p 294 added in his 7th printing.
Although the Dane Ludvig Lorenz (1829-1891) was 24 years older than the Dutchman Hendrick Lorentz
(1853 –1928), they were contemporary though independent workers at the time (1867) that Lorenz first
published the use of his now-eponymous gauge condition. Lorentz will just have to be content with his
transformations, his invariance, his contraction and his force law which says F = q(E + v x B). For more
on Lorenz and Lorentz, see Nevels and Shin.
Comment 2: We speak of (1.3.6) as "the Lorenz gauge" and divA = 0 as "the Coulomb gauge". These
gauges are really conditions on A and do not fully specify A since many vector fields A can have the
same divergence. So a gauge specifies a class of possible A fields, not a particular one.
34
(b) Special Relativity Note
At first encounter, one is amazed at how similar the two equations (1.3.4) and (1.3.5) appear. Here we
shall show why that is so. We now assume the medium is the vacuum so με = μ0ε0 = 1/c2. Then the two
equations may be written,
1
(∇2 - c2 ∂t2)φ = - (1/ε0)ρ (1.3.7)
1
(∇2 - c2 ∂t2)A = - μ0J . (1.3.8)
1
As shown in Appendix A.6, one can construct Lorentz 4-vectors Aμ = ( c φ, A) and Jμ = (cρ, J) with the
identification of A0 ≡ φ/c and J0 ≡ cρ. The above equations can then be written, using proper tensor
notation where common vectors are contravariant with an upper index,
1
(∇2 - c2 ∂t2)[cA0] = - (1/ε0)[J0/c] = - (1/ε0)[J0/c] (c2μ0ε0) = - μ0 cJ0 (1.3.9)
1
(∇2 - c2 ∂t2)Ai = - μ0Ji . (1.3.10)
Cancelling the c's in the first equation allows both equations to be written as a single 4-vector equation
1
(∇2 - c2 ∂t2)Aμ = - μ0 Jμ
or
1
Aμ = μ0 Jμ where ≡ ∂μ∂μ = c2 ∂t2 - ∇2 . (1.3.11)
This equation is covariant because both sides transform as a Lorentz 4-vector (the operator transforms
as a Lorentz scalar). Special relativity requires that all equations of physics be covariant under Lorentz
transformations. This is similar to Newton's Law F = ma being covariant under rotations, where both
sides transform as 3-vectors. If we start with the correct law of physics (1.3.11) and work backwards
through the equation pairs above, where we add a medium with μ and ε, we end up with our starting point
(1.3.4) and (1.3.5) and the similarity of these two equations is then explained as being a requirement of
special relativity.
Recall the Lorenz gauge choice (1.3.6) which was required to decouple things above,
1
divA = - μ0ε0 ∂tφ = - c2 ∂tφ . (1.3.6)
As shown in Appendix A.6, this Lorenz gauge condition can be expressed in covariant form as
1
∂μAμ = 0 ⇔ divA = - c2 ∂tφ (1.3.12)
35
while the equation of continuity states
∂μJμ = 0 ⇔ divJ = -∂tρ . (1.3.13)
Both sides of these last two tensor-notation equations transform as a rank-0 tensor (scalar) so the
equations are covariant (0 is a scalar). As one changes frames of reference doing Lorentz transformations
(rotations and "boosts"), the potential wave equation, the gauge condition, and the continuity relation
always maintain the same tensor form.
In closing this relativity note, we must mention that the four Maxwell equations (with ε = ε0 and μ =
μ0 and μ0ε0 = 1/c2) can also be stated in covariant notation. One first defines the following antisymmetric
rank-2 tensor (see Appendix A.5 concerning up and down indices etc.)
1
Fμν ≡ ∂μAν - ∂νAμ Aμ = ( c φ, A) Jμ = (cρ, J) ∂μ = (∂0, ∂i) = (∂0, -∂i) (1.3.14)
where obviously Fμν = -Fνμ and Fμμ = 0 for diagonal elements. Then the two Maxwell homogeneous (no
sources) equations appear as
∂αFμν + ∂νFαμ + ∂μFνα = 0 // both sides transform as a rank-3 tensor so covariant
⇔ curl E + ∂tB = 0 and div B = 0 (1.1.2) and (1.1.4) (1.3.15)
while the two Maxwell inhomogeneous equations are (implied sum on μ )
∂μFμν = μ0 Jν // both sides transform as a rank-1 tensor (4-vector) so covariant
⇔ curl B - μ0ε0∂tE = μ0J and div E = ρ/ε0 (1.1.24) and (1.1.15) (1.3.16)
The fields are given by ( ε is the permutation tensor),
B1 = -F23 E1 = cF10 or Bi = -(1/2)εijkFjk and Ei = cFi0

B2 = -F31 E2 = cF20
B3 = -F12 E3 = cF30 . (1.3.17)
The E and B fields are part of the tensor Fμν and so do not transform as four vectors like Aμ. That is to
say, there are no 4-vectors of the form Eμ or Bν, so there is no up and down index on a field, so the index
is just written down. Jackson states the above facts (but in Gaussian units) in his Section 11.9 along with a
description of the notion of covariance.
Example: μ0J2 = ∂μFμ2 = ∂0F02 + ∂1F12 + ∂2F22 + ∂3F32 = (1/c)∂t(-1/cE2) + ∂1(-B3) + 0 + ∂3(+B1)
= - (1/c2)∂tE2 + [curl B]2 => μ0J = curlB - μ0ε0∂tE in the 2 component
36
(c) The Potential Wave Equations in the King and Lorenz Gauges with Conductors
We refer to a certain gauge condition below as "the King gauge" because King (see Refs.) made extensive
use of this condition in his books and papers at least as early as 1945. Perhaps this gauge has some
official name, but we are not aware of it.
We start with this King gauge and treat A and then φ. Then we do the Lorenz gauge case for A and φ, and
finally we look at the wave equations for E and B. The motivation for using the King gauge is explained.
Unlike most sources on this subject, we allow for the possibility that the conductors' μi might differ from
that of the dielectric.
KING GAUGE
Wave equation for A
Consider the following general cross section of a transmission line which happens to be of coaxial cable
type,
Fig 1.5
The gray regions 2 and 3 are conductors, while the white region 1 is the (possibly conducting) dielectric.
Currents J1, J2 and J3 are conduction currents.
We start by selecting the King gauge for region 1 and we apply it to all three regions,
div A = - μ1ε1 ∂tφ - μ1σ1φ // ≡ King gauge, applied to all of R . (1.3.18)
We first obtain the wave equation for A in region 1. Start with (1.3.3) which gives the wave equation for
A before any gauge choice is made,
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2) A = grad [μ1ε1 ∂tφ + divA ] - μ1J . // region 1 (1.3.3)
Now insert the King gauge (1.3.18) to get
37
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2) A = grad [μ1ε1 ∂tφ + (- μ1ε1 ∂tφ - μ1σ1φ) ] - μ1J
= - μ1σ1 grad φ - μ1J
= - μ1σ1 (-E -∂tA) - μ1(σ1E) . // from (1.3.1) and J = σ1E
= - μ1σ1 ( -∂tA) .
Thus the wave equation for A in region 1 is
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t) A = 0 // region 1 (1.3.19)
This is a damped wave equation with no driving source; the equation is homogeneous.
Now we start over with (1.3.3) for region 2:
(∇2 - μ2ε2 ∂t2) A = grad [μ2ε2 ∂tφ + divA ] - μ2J2 // region 2 (1.3.3)
As before, we insert the region-1 King gauge expression (1.3.18) for div A, even though we are now
working in region 2, and we make an assumption that conductor 2 is a "very good conductor".
(∇2 - μ2ε2 ∂t2) A = grad [μ2ε2 ∂tφ + (- μ1ε1 ∂tφ - μ1σ1φ) ] - μ2J2
= [μ2ε2 ∂t + (- μ1ε1 ∂t - μ1σ1) ] gradφ - μ2J2
= [ (μ2ε2 - μ1ε1) ∂t - μ1σ1) ] gradφ - μ2J2
= [ (μ2ε2 - μ1ε1) ∂t - μ1σ1) ] (- E - ∂tA) - μ2J2 // using (1.3.1)
= [ (μ2ε2 - μ1ε1) ∂t - μ1σ1) ] (- J2/σ2 - ∂tA) - μ2J2 // J2 = σ2E
≈ [ (μ2ε2 - μ1ε1) ∂t - μ1σ1) ] (- ∂tA) - μ2J2 // since σ2 is very large in conductor 2
= - [ (μ2ε2 - μ1ε1) ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t ] A - μ2J2 .
The "large σ2" assumption made two lines above is discussed at the end of this section. It puts a lower
limit on the value ω for which the A wave equation is valid, but this limit is quite low relative to the
normal use of a transmission line so it does not affect our analysis.
Notice that we have chosen not to set J2 = σ2E in region 2 for the last term, we just leave it as J2.
Moving the first term on the right to the left one gets
38
( ∇2 - μ2ε2 ∂t2 + [ (μ2ε2 - μ1ε1) ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t ] ) A = - μ2J2

or
( ∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t ) A = - μ2J2 . // region 2 (1.3.20)
On the left side we see the same region-1 damped wave operator although we are in region 2, and J2 is
the conduction current density in region 2. A similar result applies for region 3. Thus we have shown that
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t ) A = 0 region 1

(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t ) A = - μ2J2 region 2
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t ) A = - μ3J3 . region 3 (1.3.21)
We combine these into a single equation which is then valid over all of region R,
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1) A = - μ2J2 - μ3J3 all of region R (1.3.22)
with the understanding that the conduction current in region 1 has already been accounted for and Ji
represents conduction currents in conductor i .We could generalize this result for a region R containing
any number N of conductors labeled i = 2,3...N+1
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1) A = - Σi=2N+1μiJi . all of region R (1.3.23)
Wave equation for φ
We first obtain the wave equation for φ in region 1. Start with (1.3.2) which gives the wave equation for φ
before any gauge choice is made,
∇2φ + ∂t[div A] = -ρ/ε1 . (1.3.2)
Now use the same global region-R King gauge (1.3.18) for div A,
∇2φ + ∂t[- μ1ε1 ∂tφ - μ1σ1φ] = - ρ1/ε1

(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t)φ = - (1/ε1)ρ1 . // region 1 (1.3.24)
Again the same damped region-1 wave operator appears on the left side. Since the King gauge is the same
in all three regions, we can write
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t)φ = - (1/ε1)ρ(1) // region 1

(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t)φ = - (1/ε2)ρ(2) // region 2
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t)φ = - (1/ε3)ρ(3) // region 3 (1.3.25)
where ρ always means free charge. The three equations are basically the same because the pre-gauge
equation (1.3.2) has no region-specific parameters apart from ε1, in contrast with (1.3.3) quoted above.
39
Now the only actual free charge present is the surface charge on the outside surfaces of the conductors
and we shall regard all these charge densities as residing in region 1, the dielectric (just inside the
boundaries of region 1). Thus, write
ρ(1) = ρ2 + ρ3 // = Σi=2N+1ρi
ρ(2) = 0
ρ(3) = 0 (1.3.26)
where ρi is the surface charge density on conductor i. Then combine the above three equations into a
single equation for all of region R
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t)φ = - (1/ε1) Σi=2N+1ρi . all of region R (1.3.27)
Conclusion for wave equations in the King gauge
Here then are the wave equations for φ and A in region R using the region-1 King gauge:
Potential Wave Equations in the King Gauge (1.3.28)
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t)φ = - (1/ε1) Σi=2N+1ρi all of region R (1.3.27)

(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t)A = - Σi=2N+1 μiJi all of region R (1.3.23)
div A = - μ1ε1 ∂tφ - μ1σ1φ King gauge (1.3.18)
1 = dielectric 2,3,4.... N+1= conductors (there are N conductors)

ρi = free surface charge density on conductor i
Ji = free current density in conductor i (J1 in the dielectric exists but does not appear in ΣiμiJi)
To be consistent with later sections, we put subscript d on dielectric properties, and we renumber the
conductors 1 to N instead of 2 to N+1. The above box then becomes
Potential Wave Equations in the King Gauge (1.3.29)
(∇2 - μdεd ∂t2 - μdσd∂t)φ = - (1/εd) Σiρi all of region R

(∇2 - μdεd ∂t2 - μdσd∂t)A = - ΣiμiJi all of region R
div A = - μdεd ∂tφ - μdσdφ King gauge
μd,εd,σd = dielectric 1,3,4.... N = conductors Σi = Σi=1N μi = for conductor i

Ji = free current density in conductor i (J in the dielectric exists but does not appear in ΣiμiJi)
40
The word "free" is used above to emphasize the fact that possible polarization charge densities and
magnetization current densities are not included in these ρi and Ji.
King never writes these wave equations in his transmission-line theory book, so it is difficult to find
verification of our logic pathway in his book. However, Panofsky and Phillips do show the equations and
we quote the relevant section from p 241 of their book:
Their last sentence says that J = σE in the conducting dielectric has been incorporated into the -μσ∂tA
term in their first equation, just as we have done above. These authors have assumed that the μ's of the
dielectric and the conductors are all the same (normally μ = μ0). In order to obtain the above equations,
Panofsky and Phillips use the King gauge (1.3.18) but they refer to this gauge simply as "the Lorentz
condition" (illustrating Comments 1 and 2 above). From their page 240,
LORENZ GAUGE
If we carry out the exact same program with respect to Fig 1.5 using a region-1 (dielectric) global Lorenz
gauge for all of R,
divA = - μ1ε1∂tφ , (1.3.30)
we obtain these results for A, where in region 1 the conduction current is not absorbed into a damping
term on the left side,
41
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2)A = - μ1J1 region 1

(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2)A = - μ2J2 region 2
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2)A = - μ3J3 . region 3
As before, all three equations have the same wave operator on the left side. Again assuming N
conductors, we combine these into a single equation as follows
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2)A = - Σi=1N+1 μiJi all of region R (1.3.31)
Meanwhile, the results for φ are
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2)φ = - ρ(1)/ε1 region 1

(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2)φ = - ρ(2)/ε2 region 2
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2)φ = - ρ(3)/ε3 region 3
so that with the same comments made earlier in (1.3.26) this becomes
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2)φ = - (1/ε1) Σi=2N+1 ρi . all of region R (1.3.32)
We then make the same notational change made above to get these Lorenz-gauge results:
(∇2 - μdεd ∂t2)φ = - (1/ε) Σi=1N ρi all of region R (1.3.33)

(∇2 - μdεd ∂t2)A = - Σi=1N μiJi - μJ all of region R (1.3.34)
Notice that no conductivities appear in these equations.
COMPARISON
We can now do a side-by-side comparison, where Σi is a sum over the conductors i = 1,2..N
King Gauge:
(∇2 - μdεd ∂t2 - μdσd∂t)φ = - (1/εd) Σiρi all of region R (1.3.29)
(∇2 - μdεd ∂t2 - μdd∂t)A = - ΣiμiJi all of region R (1.3.29)
div A = - μdεd ∂tφ - μdσdφ King gauge (1.3.29)
Lorenz Gauge:
(∇2 - μdεd ∂t2)φ = -(1/εd) Σiρi all of region R (1.3.33)
(∇2 - μdεd ∂t2)A = - Σi μiJi - μdJ all of region R (1.3.34)
divA = - μdεd ∂tφ Lorenz gauge (1.3.30)
In the Lorenz gauge, we get undamped wave operators, but the sum on the right of the A equation
includes the current J in the dielectric, whereas this is not the case in the King gauge. In a situation where
we have prescribed currents Ji in the conductors, it is inconvenient to have to worry about the dielectric
conduction current J which complicates the solution of the problem. In the King gauge, we get damped
42
wave operators but we have to include only the current in the conductors since the current in the dielectric
has been incorporated into the damping term. When we transform to the frequency domain and write the
Helmholtz equation for A and its Helmholtz Integral solution, we need only integrate over the conductors
which makes life easier. This then is the motivation for the King gauge. For a non-conducting dielectric
both gauge conditions are the same since σ = 0.
E AND B WAVE EQUATIONS
Meanwhile, the E and B field wave equations of course don't know anything about gauges and from
(1.2.1) and (1.2.2) we have, with respect to Fig 1.5, ( ρs = ρ2+ρ3 = Σi=2N+1ρi, 1 = dielectric)
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2)E = μ1∂tJ1 + (1/ε1) grad ρ(1) = μ1∂tJ1 + (1/ε1) grad ρs // region 1
(∇2 - μ2ε2 ∂t2)E = μ2∂tJ2 + (1/ε2) grad ρ(2) = μ2∂tJ2 // region 2
(∇2 - μ3ε3 ∂t2)E = μ3∂tJ3 + (1/ε3) grad ρ(3) = μ3∂tJ3 // region 3
(1.3.35)
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2)B = - μ1 curl J1 // region 1
where Ji = σiE . We cannot unify each group of three equations into a single region R equation as we
could in the potential case since the wave operators are different in each region. Using Ji = σiE and curl
E = - ∂tB and (1.3.26) the above equations can be rewritten as,
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t)E = (1/ε1) Σi=2N+1 grad ρi // region 1

(∇2 - μ2ε2 ∂t2 - μ2σ2∂t)E = 0 // region 2
(∇2 - μ3ε3 ∂t2 - μ3σ3∂t)E = 0 // region 3
(1.3.36)
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t)B = 0 // region 1
(∇2 - μ2ε2 ∂t2 - μ2σ2∂t)B = 0 // region 2
(∇2 - μ3ε3 ∂t2 - μ3σ3∂t)B = 0 . // region 3
Again the three damped wave operators are different. The solution of these equations requires solving the
first equation for the "particular" solution in region 1, finding all possible homogenous solutions to all 6
equations in their regions using appropriate harmonic forms with "constants to be determined", then
matching these conditions at the two boundaries to evaluate the constants. In contrast, in the potential
problem of (1.3.28),
(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t)φ = - (1/ε1) Σi=2N+1ρi all of region R (1.3.26)

(∇2 - μ1ε1 ∂t2 - μ1σ1∂t)A = - Σi=2N μiJi all of region R (1.3.23)
div A = - μ1ε1 ∂tφ - μ1σ1φ King gauge (1.3.18) (1.3.28)
one worries about a single unified region R and there is only one damped wave operator. The method of
solution is to find the particular solutions of the φ and A equations, add in homogenous solutions and
match boundary conditions.
43
The "large σ2" assumption. This assumption was used above in the development of the region 2 damped
wave equation (1.3.20) for A. Looking back at the development one sees that the approximation made
was in fact |E| << |∂tA| inside the conductor. An estimation of the validity of this inequality requires
material that appears in later chapters, so we assume that material in what follows. It will turn out that we
only care about the z component of the A wave equation which involves Az, because the transverse
components of A are so small that they can be neglected (Appendix M and self-consistency). Thus, we
want to show that |Ez| << |ωAz| where Ez and Az are now in the frequency domain. From the study of
"the transverse problem" in Chapter 5, we can make a ballpark estimate that Azt(x,y) ~ K, where Azt is a
certain transverse version of Az, and where K is a certain dimensionless constant arising in the theory.
This estimate for Azt arises from the boundary conditions on Azt shown in (5.3.11). The connection
between Az and Azt is given in (5.2.1)
μd
Az(x,y,z) = 4π i(z) Azt(x,y) (5.2.1)
so we then have Az ~ (μd/4π) i(z) K = (μd/4π) I K where i(z) = I is the current in a conductor. For a
round wire of radius a we can estimate Jz = I/(πa2). Then from Jz = σEz we have Ez ~ I/(πa2σ). The
inequality in question is then
|Ez | << |ωAz|
I/(πa2σ) << ω (μd/4π) I K
1/(a2σ) << ω (μdK/4)
1 4
ω >> a2 σμK // assume μd = μ = μ0
or
1 2 1 1
f >> a2 π K μσ . (1.3.37)
For a copper conductor, μσ ≈ 4π * 5.81 = 73.0 sec/m2 so then
1 2 1 1
f >> a2 π K 73 = .0087/ (a2K) . (1.3.38)
In order to justify our "large σ2" assumption, we require that the operating frequency be significantly
larger than .0087/ (a2K). We will show in the following two examples that this is quite a low frequency
and one always operates above this lower limit in a practical application.
Example 1: Belden 8281 coaxial cable is treated as a case study in Appendix R. For the central
conductor, a = 394 μ and the the cable has K = 3.7. Our condition is then f >> 15 KHz,
44
Since 15 KHz is an audio frequency, while Belden 8281 coaxial cable is used for RF signals, this lower
limit is not an issue. That is to say, the Az wave equation (1.3.20) is valid for ω of practical use.
Example 2: At the end of Section 4.6 below we consider a power distribution transmission line which
has two conductors with a = 1/2" and K = 17.5. For such a transmission line, our condition is f >> 3 Hz,
Since power systems operate at 50 or 60 Hz, this lower bound of 3 Hz is well surpassed.
45
1.4 Retarded Solutions in the Lorenz gauge: Propagators
In a medium where μ and ε are time-independent, the Lorenz gauge equations (1.3.4) and (1.3.5) apply,
(∇2 - με ∂t2)φ = - (1/ε)ρ (1.3.4)

(∇2 - με ∂t2)A = - μJ . (1.3.5)
One approach to solving these equations for A and φ is the method of retarded solutions. We seek to solve
an equation of this form
(∇2 - με ∂t2) u = - f , (1.4.1)
where for example in (1.3.4) u = φ and f = ρ/ε. Since με = 1/v2 where v is the wave velocity in the
medium, write (1.4.1) as
(∂t2 - v2∇2) u = v2f

or
1
u =f where ≡ v2 ∂t2 - ∇2 . (1.4.2)
This last equation is similar to (A.7.2) of Appendix A and can be solved in the same manner. Define a
Green's function g as the solution of
v2 g(x,t; x',t') = δ(x-x')δ(t-t') with g = 0 when |x-x'|→∞ . (1.4.3)
This is just (A.7.3) with c = v. As (A.7.4) shows, the solution is given by
v2 g(x,t; x',t') = (1/4πR)δ(t-t'-R/v) with R = |x-x'| . (1.4.4)
The delta function only gets a hit if t = t'+R/v, so there is never a hit if t < t'. In other words, g = 0 for t<t',
and g is often referred to as a "causal" Green's function. Jackson (6.41) and (6.44) uses G(+) = 4πv2g
with v = c and refers to the solution as a "retarded Green function". See also Stakgold references in
Appendix A. The solution to (1.4.1) is then
u(x,t) = ∫d3x' ∫dt' v2 g(x,t; x',t') f(x',t') (1.4.5)
as can be verified by applying to both sides and making use of (1.4.3). The Green's Function g(x,t; x',t')
is the free-space fundamental solution (propagator) of the wave equation. Insert (1.4.4) into (1.4.5) to get,
u(x,t) = ∫d3x' ∫dt' (1/4πR)δ(t-t'-R/v) f(x',t') = ∫d3x' (1/4πR) f(x', t-R/v)
1
= 4π ∫d3x' f(x',t-R/v)
R . (1.4.6)
46
Thus, the solutions to (1.3.2) and (1.3.3) are (Lorenz gauge) :
1
φ(x,t) = 4πε ∫d3x' ρ(x',t-R/v)
R (1.4.7)
μ
A(x,t) = 4π ∫d3x' J(x',t-R/v)
R . R = |x-x'| (1.4.8)
The potentials at time t are generated by the values the sources had at time t - R/v since the influence of
the sources travels at finite velocity v through the medium. These last equations agree with Jackson p 246
(6.48). Note that 1/4πR is the free-space propagator of the Laplace equation. It describes how a source at
location x' and earlier time t-R/v propagates its influence into the potential at observation point x and
current time t. Compare (1.4.6) to (A.0.2) which is the solution to the electrostatic Poisson equation,
where the source has no time dependence (it is static).
Jumping the gun slightly, it is interesting now to Fourier Transform the above equations. First, write
∫-∞ dt' δ(t'-[t-R/v]) ρ(x',t') .

∞
ρ(x',t-R/v) = (1.4.9)
Then using the Fourier Integral Transform (1.6.8),
∫-∞ dt φ(x,t)e-jωt
∞
φ(x,ω) = // (1.6.8a)
∫-∞ dt [4πε ∫d3x'

∞ 1 ρ(x',t-R/v) -jωt
= R ]e // insert φ from (1.4.7)
∫-∞ dt ∫d3x'
1 1
∫-∞ dt' δ(t'-[t-R/v]) ρ(x',t') e-jωt
∞ ∞
= 4πε R // insert ρ(x',t-R/v) from (1.4.9)
1
∫d3x' 1
∫-∞ dt' ρ(x',t') e-jω[t'+R/v]
∞
= 4πε R // do the dt integration
e-jβR
1
∫d3x' ∫-∞ dt' ρ(x',t') e-jωt'
∞
= 4πε R // let β ≡ ω/v
e-jβR
1
= 4πε ∫d3x' R ρ(x',ω) . // (1.6.8a)
Thus, in the frequency domain the retarded potential solutions appear as
47
e-jβR
1
φ(x,ω) = 4πε ∫d3x' R ρ(x',ω) (1.4.10)
e-jβR
μ
A(x,ω) = 4π ∫d3x' R J(x',ω) . R = |x-x'| β = ω/v (1.4.11)
These are the single-region expressions of the Helmholtz integrals we shall obtain in the next section by a
somewhat different path using a different gauge. These integrals then are the ω-domain versions of the
retarded potential solutions in the time domain. The factor e-jβR/R is the ω-space 3D Helmholtz
propagator discussed below and in Appendix H. It describes how the ω-domain source (ρ or J) at location
x' propagates to its potential at location x.
These last two equations have the general form
f1(x) = ∫k(x,x')f2(x')d3x' (1.4.12)
and the propagator k(x,x') is sometimes called "the kernel" and defines an integral operator K. Then the
above equation is written f1 = Kf2 which is a mapping from one function to another in a Hilbert Space of
functions. Similarly, equation (1.4.5) has the form
f1(x,t) = ∫∫k(x,t; x',t') f2(x',t') d3x' dt' (1.4.13)
where now the kernel k(x,t; x',t') is a spacetime propagator describing how f2 at x' and t' contributes to f1
at x and t. The total function f1 is the sum of all these propagated contributions. For the particular
propagator shown in (1.4.5), f1(x,t) would only get contributions from f2(x',t') at past times t', so that k is
a causal propagator. The same notion of f1 = Kf2 applies.
Comment: The word "propagator" is commonly used in quantum mechanics where the entity being
propagated is a probability amplitude, and the total amplitude for some "event" is the sum of all the
propagated contributions. This viewpoint was promoted by Richard Feynman, and the graphical
representation of equations like (1.4.12) is called a Feynman Diagram :
Fig 1.6
48
1.5 The Wave Equations in the Frequency Domain
(a) The Transformed Wave Equations
A standard method of solving wave equations involves transforming the equations from the time domain
to the frequency ω domain using the Fourier Integral Transform, assuming that the μ, ε and σ are
constants (possibly complex). As an example, we start with the φ equation in box (1.3.29) and expand
φ(x,t) and ρs(x,t) onto their Fourier components using (1.6.8). The overloaded notation is explained in
Section 1.6 (f).
(∇2 - μdεd ∂t2 - μdσd∂t) φ(x,t) = - (1/εd) Σiρi(x,t) (1.3.29)
(∇2 - μdεd ∂t2 - μdσd∂t) [(1/2π) ∫ dω e+jωt φ(x,ω)] = - (1/εd) [(1/2π) ∫

∞ ∞
dω e+jωt Σiρi(x,ω) ]
-∞ -∞
∫-∞ dω (∇2 - μdεd ∂t2 - μdσd∂t) e+jωt φ(x,ω) ∫-∞ dω e+jωt Σiρi(x,ω)
∞ ∞
= - (1/εd)
∫-∞ dω (∇2 + μdεdω2 - jω μdσd) e+jωt φ(x,ω) ∫-∞ dω e+jωt Σiρi(x,ω)

∞ ∞
= - (1/εd)
∫-∞ dω e+jωt ∫-∞ dω e+jωt [- (1/εd) Σiρi(x,ω)]

∞ ∞
[(∇2 + μdεdω2 - jω μdσd) φ(x,ω)] = .
At this point we invoke the completeness of the set of functions {ejωt} on the interval (-∞,∞) to claim
that the integrands must be equal, giving (1.3.29) transformed to the frequency domain,
(∇2 + μdεdω2 - jω μdσd) φ(x,ω) = - (1/εd) Σiρi(x,ω) .

or
(∇2 + βd2) φ(x,ω) = - (1/εd) Σiρi(x,ω)
where βd2 is the following complex "Helmholtz parameter" [of Helmholtz operator (∇2 + βd2) ],
βd2 = μdεdω2 - jωμdσd = ω2μd ( εd - jσd/ω) = ω2μdξd ξd ≡ εd - jσd/ω . (1.5.1a)
βd02 = ω2μdεd when σd = 0 (non-conducting dielectric) (1.5.1b)
Here ξd(ω) is the "complex dielectric constant", nothing more or less than the expression shown.
We shall have occasion (mainly in Appendix D) to use the damped wave equation for the E field inside a
transmission line conductor. We referred to such conductors as region 2 or region 3 in the discussion
above, but here we shall use no subscript to denote parameters inside a conductor. Looking at (1.3.36),
such a wave equation when converted to the frequency domain becomes,
(∇2 + β2) E(x,ω) = 0 (1.5.27)
49
where
β2 = μεω2 - jωμσ = ω2μ ( ε - jσ/ω) = ω2μ ξ ξ ≡ ε - jσ/ω . (1.5.1c)
and all parameters here refer to the conductor. This has the same form as (1.5.1a) but with no dielectric
subscripts. For copper, we show later in (2.2.3) that for f << 1018 Hz, one can neglect the ε term in the
above expression for β2 which then gives
β2 = - jωμσ (1.5.1d)
Note: Hermann von Helmholtz (1821-1894) was an early electromagnetic researcher and equations of the
form (∇2+k2)f = g bear his name. As we have just seen, his equation arises from a temporal Fourier or
Laplace transform of a wave equation. Since k will have another meaning in Chapter 5, and to be
consistent with King p 10 (15a,b,c), we define the quantities in (1.5.1) as β2 instead of k2. King bolds
parameters when they are complex, but we do not, so we have β2 instead of β2.
Examination of the above transformation shows that any equation can be transformed from the time
domain to the frequency domain using these simple rules,
∂t → +jω ∂t2 → -ω2 F(x,t) → F(x,ω) . (1.5.2)
where it is understood (Section 1.6) that F(x,t) and F(x,ω) are different functions.
Thus, the frequency-domain representations of the King-gauge potential wave equations shown in
(1.3.29) are:
Potential Wave Equations in the King Gauge (ω domain)
(∇2 + βd2)φ = - (1/εd) Σiρi all of region R (1.5.3)

2 2
(∇ + βd )A = - Σi μiJi all of region R (1.5.4)
2
div A = - μdεdjωφ - μdσdφ = -jωμd(εd+σd/jω)φ = -jωμdξdφ = -j(βd /ω)φ King gauge (1.5.5)
βd2 = μdεdω2 - jωμdσd = ω2μd ( εd - jσd/ω) = ω2μd ξd ξd ≡ εd - jσd/ω (1.5.1a)

N
μd,εd,σd = dielectric 1,3,4.... N = conductors Σi = Σi=1 μi = for conductor i

Ji = free current density in conductor i (J in the dielectric exists but does not appear in ΣiμiJi)
In these equations, all mathematical fields φ, A, ρi, Ji are functions of x and ω. Note from (1.5.5) that in
the ω domain, the King gauge is the Lorenz gauge with εd → ξd.
50
(b) The Helmholtz Integrals in the King Gauge
The next step is to solve the above equations for φ and A. The method was demonstrated in Appendix A.0
and is applied again here. We first define the free-space Green's Function g by this boundary value
problem,
- (∇2 + βd2)g(x,x') = δ(x-x') where lim|x|→∞ g(x,x') = 0 . (1.5.6)
As shown in (H.1.5), the solution to problem (1.5.6) is
-jβdR
1 e
g(x,x') = 4π R R = |x - x'| . (1.5.7)
As (1.5.1a) shows, in a conducting dielectric βd2 has a small negative phase, so βd has half this negative
phase and βd then has a small negative imaginary part. Then e-jβdR → 0 for large R, as required by the
condition of problem (1.5.6). This is why e+jβdR /R is a rejected solution.
The Helmholtz equations (1.5.3) and (1.5.4) have the following particular solutions (dV' = d3x'),
1
φ(x,ω) = 4πε Σi ∫ e-jβdR
ρi(x',ω) R dV' R = |x - x'| (1.5.8)
1
A(x,ω) = 4π Σi ∫ e-jβdR
μiJi(x',ω) R dV' R = |x - x'| . (1.5.9)
In these equations, βd is a function of ω, namely βd = ω2μdξd as in (1.5.1a), and Σi = Σi=1N is over the
conductors. Since (∇2 + βd2) is the Helmholtz operator, solutions of the form (1.5.8) and (1.5.9) are
sometimes called "Helmholtz integrals".
To verify that the φ of (1.5.8) solves (1.5.3) we use (1.5.7) to write,
φ(x,ω) = ∫ [Σiρi(x',ω)/ε] g(x,x') dV'
so that,
- (∇2 + βd2) φ(x,ω) = ∫[ Σiρi(x',ω)/ε] { - (∇2 + βd2)g(x,x') } dV'
= ∫[ Σiρi(x',ω)/ε] {δ(x-x')} d3x' = Σiρi(x,ω)/ε .
In the limit ω→ 0 we find from (1.5.1a) that βd(ω) → 0 and then (1.5.9) is the same as (A.0.2) obtained
from electrostatics and Poisson's Equation.
51
In (1.5.8) the volume density function ρs(x',ω) ≡ Σiρi(x',ω) represents a surface charge density, so it is
convenient to represent φ as a surface integral over the corresponding surface charge density ns(x',ω),
1
φ(x,ω) = 4πε ∫ e-jβdR
ns(x',ω) R dS' . R = |x - x'| (1.5.10)
Comments on n, σ and Dirichlet : Usually one uses σ for a surface charge, but σ is already used for
conductivity so we use n. To further complicate things, in his potential theory discussion of Chapter 6,
Stakgold uses σ to represent our surface S enclosing a volume V (his region R) as in our Fig 1.2.
Stakgold uses n to indicate a normal derivative, as in this Dirichlet problem solution of the Poisson
equation -∇2φ(x) = q(x),
φ(x) = ∫R dx' g(x|x') q(x') – ∫σ dSξ f(ξ) ∂ξng(x|ξ) // Stakgold (6.81) . (1.5.11)
Here ∂ξn = ∂/∂nξ where nξ is a local coordinate on the surface σ at point ξ which is normal to the surface.
In this equation, q(x) is the Poisson source (think ρ(x)/ε0), g(x|ξ) is the full Green's function, meaning g =
0 on boundary σ, and f(ξ) is the Dirichlet prescribed potential on the enclosing boundary σ. Stakgold also
uses n for number of dimensions and his work is always done in n spatial dimensions.
In (1.5.11), the first term is the particular solution, like our Helmholtz integral, while the second term
is a homogenous solution to -∇2φ(x) = 0 which, when added in, makes things work at boundaries. Our
Helmholtz integral, however, uses the free-space Green's Function, so we cannot just add on Stakgold's
Dirichlet term to get a solution.
The above Poisson Dirichlet solution (1.5.11) seems mysterious at first viewing, but is easily derived
using -∇2g(x|x') = δ(x-x') , -∇2φ(x) = q(x) [ = ρ(x)/ε ], and the famous Green's 2nd "symmetric" identity,
where ∂φ/∂n = ^ n • ∇φ = the same normal derivative ∂ξn discussed above,
∫V dV ψ ∇2φ = ∫S dS ψ( ∂φ/∂n) – ∫V dV (∇ψ • ∇φ) Green #1
∫V dV [ ψ ∇2φ – φ ∇2ψ ] = ∫S dS [ ψ(∂φ/∂n) – φ(∂ψ/∂n) ] . Green #2 (1.5.12)
Here #2 = #1(ψ,φ) - #1(φ,ψ) and #1 is derived from the divergence theorem (1.1.30) with F = ψ∇φ and
vector identity ∇• (ψ∇φ) = ∇ψ • ∇φ + ψ ∇2φ and dS = dS ^ n . Green was a busy man. Equation (1.5.11)
is then obtained by setting ψ = g in (1.5.12), recalling that g = 0 on σ.
Since Green #2 is also valid if we replace ∇2→ (∇2+k2), (1.5.11) is also formally valid for a
Helmholtz Dirichlet problem where then g is the full Helmholtz Green's function.
(c) King's leading factor (1/4πξ) and the final Helmholtz Integrals
This is a somewhat subtle point and something that King never discusses much in his transmission-line
theory book. The issue is that there are two different entities ns and nc which have units charge/area, and
they are related by ns = (εd/ξd) nc where ξd = εd + σd/jω is the complex dielectric constant (in the
dielectric) which incorporates the effect of possible dielectric conductivity. In a transmission line
52
problem, it is nc that is specified by the boundary conditions and not ns (which is the actual surface
charge density). For that reason, one replaces (1.5.10) with,
1
φ(x,ω) = 4πξ
d
∫ e-jβdR
nc(x',ω) R dS' R = |x - x'| (1.5.13)
1
which explains the leading factor 4πξ which appears every time King writes down the Helmholtz integral
for φ in his books. In the discussion below we describe nc and its relation to ns, and then we show how
this relation works in the simple example of a parallel plate capacitor.
Consider the situation at a general boundary between dielectric (region 1) and conductor (region 2) where
there exists a surface charge density ns :
Fig 1.7
In (1.1.18) it was shown that div [Jd + Jc] = 0 where Jc = σE is the conduction current and Jd the
displacement current ∂tD = ε∂tE. The divergence theorem (1.1.30) then says
0 = ∫V div [Jd + Jc] dV = ∫S [Jd + Jc] • dS .
Applied to the blue pillbox which straddles the boundary in the figure, we find
Jd1n + Jc1n = Jd2n + Jc2n
where n means normal component. Writing this out,
ε1∂tE1n + σ1E1n = ε2∂tE2n + σ2E2n ≈ σ2E2n = Jc2n
since σ2 is huge inside the conductor. Therefore,
53
Jc2n = σ1E1n + ε1∂tE1n . (1.5.14)
Meanwhile, Gauss's Law (1.1.32) with (1.1.6) states that
div (εE) = ρ ⇔ ∫V ρ dV = ∫S εE • dS . (1.1.33)
Applied to the same blue pillbox we find
ns = ε1En1 - ε2En2 ≈ ε1En1
since En2 ≈ 0 inside the conductor. Thus,
En1 = ns/ε1 and then Jcn1 = σ1En1 = ns(σ1/ε1) . (1.5.15)
Then (1.5.14) can be written as
Jc2n = σ1E1n + ε1∂tE1n = (σ1 + ε1∂t) E1n = (1/ε1)(σ1 + ε1∂t) ns
or, writing out the arguments,
Jc2n(x,t) = (1/ε1)(σ1 + ε1∂t) ns(x,t) . (1)
In the frequency domain with rules (1.5.2) this becomes
Jc2n(x,ω) = (1/ε1)(σ1 + ε1jω) ns(x,ω)
= (1/ε1) (jω)(ε1 + σ1/jω) ns(x,ω)
= (ξ1/ε1) (jω) ns(x,ω) . ξ1 ≡ ε1 + σ1/jω = complex dielectric constant (1.5.16)
If we observe the conduction current Jc2n in the conductor just below the surface and flowing through a
unit-area loop (red in Fig 1.7), we can write Jc2n = ∂tnc where nc(t) is the total amount of conduction
charge flowing through that unit-area loop from some initial time t0 to the current time t (one could take
t0 to be 1 time unit before t, for example),
∫t
t
Jc2n(x,t) = ∂tnc(x,t) nc(x,t) = dt' Jc2n(x,t') . (2)
0
or
Jc2n(x,ω) = jωnc(x,ω) . (3)
Thus we have,
∂tnc(x,t) = (1/ε1)(σ1 + ε1∂t) ns(x,t) // from (1) and (2)

or
54
jω nc(x,ω) = (ξ1/ε1) (jω) ns(x,ω) // from (3) and (1.5.16)

or
nc(x,ω) = (ξ1/ε1) ns(x,ω) . // divide by jω (1.5.17)
where is our result claimed at the start that ns = (εd/ξd) nc. Note that:
• The quantity ns is the amount of free charge per unit area on the conductor surface.
• The quantity nc does not represent any kind of surface charge anywhere (free or otherwise).
nc is related to the transport of conduction charge carriers through the charge-neutral interior of the
conductor just below the surface. There is no unit-area surface which holds nc amount of charge, but both
ns and nc have the dimensions of charge/area so both could be called "surface charge".
These two areal charge densities are different simply because the dielectric leaks charge off the surface.
We are now going to rederive (1.5.17) a different way. We can write, using the blue pillbox of Fig 1.7 and
continuity relation (1.1.25),
div Jc = - ∂tρfree ⇔ -∂t[∫V ρfree dV] = ∫S Jc • dS . (1.1.25)
=> - ∂t[∫V ns dS] = ∫S Jc • dS
=> - ∂tns = Jcn1 - Jcn2 = σ1(ns/ε1) - ∂tnc // see above: Jcn1 = σ1(ns/ε1), Jcn2 = ∂tnc
so
∂tns = ∂tnc - σ1(ns/ε1) // change in ns = flow in - flow out
or
jωns = jωnc - σ1ns/ε1 => (jω+ σ1/ε1)ns = jωnc => (jωε1+ σ1)ns = jωε1nc
=> (ε1+σ1/jω)ns = ε1nc => ξ 1 n s = ε1 n c => nc = (ξ1/ε1)ns
which is the same as (1.5.17). Note that if surface charge ns is real, nc is complex.
It is useful at this point to examine the simple case of a parallel plate capacitor to see the meaning of ns
and nc. The plate separation s is meant to be very small compared to the transverse dimensions of the
plates, so the picture is distorted. We drop the subscript 1 on dielectric properties.
55
Fig 1.8
First off, a DC analysis of the above device shows that the capacitor has resistance R,
V V Es
R = I = JA = σ EA = (s/σdA) . (1.5.18)
d
Now we assume an AC voltage V. The total current entering the conducting capacitor is I = JcA. If we
think of I = ∂tQ then Q is the amount of charge passing through the external wire per unit time. Q is not
the total charge on the left plate surface which in fact is Qs = nsA. Since I = JcA we have ∂tQ = (∂tnc) A
and therefore Q = ncA.
Meanwhile, the voltage V between the plates is V = Es, and we know that E = ns/εd from Gauss's law
(ignoring E inside the conductor). Thus V = (s/εd)ns.
If we define the (complex) capacitance by Q = C'V, then
Q n cA nc
C' = V = (s/ε )n = n (Aεd/s) = (ξd/εd) (Aεd/s) = (ξd/εd) C = (Aξd/s) . (1.5.19)
d s s
The capacitance C' is complex because it accounts for both the capacitance and conductance of the
dielectric,
εd + σd/jω
C' = εd (Aεd/s) = (Aεd/s) + (σdA/s)/(jω) = C + 1/(jωR) (1.5.20)
or
jωC' = jωC + 1/R = jωC + G G = conductance = 1/R = (σdA/s) = (Aεd/s)(σd/εd) = C (σd/εd)
or
1 1 1 1 1
Z = Xc + R Z = Xc' = jωC' Xc = jωC (1.5.21)
which is the rule for computing an impedance Z for a capacitor and resistor in parallel
56
Fig 1.9
Looking back at this example, it is clear that if one wants to compute the complete impedance of the
conducting capacitor, one uses C' = Q/V where Q = Anc. The ratio Qs/V gives only the capacitance C.
Qs n sA
V = (s/εd)ns = (Aεd/s) = C . (1.5.22)
In this conducting capacitor problem, the boundary conditions are the voltage V or the total current I.
Specification of the current I = ∂t(ncA) is really a specification of nc since in the frequency domain we
then have I = jωAnc. In analyzing the problem in full, we are thus interested in working with nc and not
n s.
So recalling now the King gauge Helmholtz integral for φ ,
1
φ(x,ω) = 4πε ∫ e-jβdR
ns(x',ω) R dS' R = |x - x'| , (1.5.10)
since it will be more convenient to have nc in the integrand, we use (1.5.17) that ns = (εd/ξ) nc to rewrite
the above expression as
∫n (x',ω) e R
-jβdR
1
φ(x,ω) = 4πξ c dS' R = |x - x'| (1.5.13)
d
which is just (1.5.13) stated earlier.
So here are our final forms of the Helmholtz integrals of interest, where now write nc = Σinci,
1
φ(x,ω) = 4πξ Σi
d
∫ e-jβdR
nci(x',ω) R dS' R = |x - x'| (1.5.13)
1
μiJi(x',ω) R dV' R = |x - x'| (1.5.9)
βd2 = μdεdω2 - jωμdσd = ω2μd ( εd - jσd/ω) = ω2μd ξd ξd ≡ εd - jσd/ω (1.5.1)
where the sum Σi is over all conductors. If all conductor have the same μi = μc, (1.5.9) simplifies to
57
μc
Ji(x',ω) R dV' R = |x - x'| . (1.5.9)'
We now quote directly from King's Transmission-Line Theory book to show how he presents the
Helmholtz integrals for φ and A. What we call the King gauge appears as (2b). His symbols σ, ε, μ, ξ and
β apply to the dielectric.
// page 8
// page 9
// page 11
Comments:
(1) King's (23) and (24) are for one conductor, while our (1.5.13) and (1.5.9) are for several conductors.
(2) Due to time lag effects, ε and σ may be complex, so ε = ε'-jε" and σ = σ'-jσ". In this case
ξd ≡ εd - jσd/ω = (ε'd-jε"d) - j(σ'd-jσ"d)/ω = [ε'd- σ"d/ω] - j [σ'd + ωε"d]/ω = εeff - jσeff/ω
so one would replace εd → εeff and σd → σeff in all equations (see King p 9 footnote).
(3) In the same way, time lag effects can cause μ = μ' - jμ" (hysteresis) [ generic μ ]
(4) King uses bold font for vectors and for quantities which are complex. For example his ξ of ξ = ε - jσ/ω
is bolded. Similarly, our (1.5.1) that β2 = ω2μξ becomes his equation (10) above, β2 = ω2μξ . He does
not use d subscripts on dielectric parameters as we do.
(5) King assumes that all conductors and the dielectric have the same μ, something we did not assume. In
order to make (23) and (24) look as similar as possible, he defines ν ≡ 1/μ. Since these parameters can
both be complex, he writes them as μ and ν. This then explains the factor 1/(4πν) appearing in his (24)
which then agrees with our (1.5.9)'.
(6) He shows his equation (23) charge density n' in bold, indicating it is complex. His n' is our nc, also
complex. He refers to n' as "charge density on the surface" but he really means it to be nc as we have
discussed at length above, and this is how he uses it in his calculations.
58
King uses these Helmholtz integrals (23) and (24) for φ and A extensively in his book to compute the
parameters of various complicated transmission line geometries and interfaces. We shall pursue this
subject more in Chapter 4 for some simple cases.
We should point out that King makes no attempt to derive his equations (23) and (24) and more or less
just pulls them out of a hat. We spent some time perusing several of King's other 11 books looking for
some kind of derivation but were unsuccessful. The equations do appear in more or less the same form in
his earliest book Electromagnetic Engineering (1945). So in some sense, we have spent the first 40 pages
of this Chapter deriving his equations (23) and (24). For that reason, it is worth gathering up the results in
a summary box:
Potential Solutions for φ and A in the King Gauge (ω space) (1.5.23)
1
d
∫ e-jβdR
nci(x',ω) R dS' R = |x - x'| (1.5.13)
1
d
∫ e-jβdR
ρci(x',ω) R dV' // using volume charge representation ρcdV' = ncdS'
1
μiJi(x',ω) R dV' (1.5.9)
μ
Ji(x',ω)] R dV' // if all μi = μ (1.5.9)'
μd,εd,σd = dielectric; μi = inside conductor i ;
βd2 = μdεdω2 - jωμdσd = ω2μd ( εd - jσd/ω) = ω2μd ξd ξd ≡ εd - jσd/ω (1.5.1a)
div A = - μdεdjωφ - μdσdφ = -jωμd(εd+σd/jω)φ = -jωμdξdφ // King gauge (1.5.5)
B = curl A E = - grad φ - ∂tA (1.3.1)
The Helmholtz integrals are just "particular solutions" to the potential wave equations. In order to solve a
problem, one must add to these particular solutions whatever homogeneous solutions are necessary in
order to match all boundary conditions.
59
(d) Frequency domain wave equations for fields and potentials in the Lorenz Gauge
We now use the earlier notation with reference to Fig 1.5 where dielectric = 1 and conductors = 2,3...N+1
for N conductors. The Lorenz gauge condition is given by (1.3.30) transformed to the ω domain,
divA = - μ1ε1jωφ . (1.5.24)
Undamped Lorenz-gauge potential wave equations (1.3.32) and (1.3.31) : k12 = ω2μ1ε1
(∇2+k12)φ = - (1/ε1) Σi=2N+1 ρi all of region R

(∇2+k12)A = - Σi=1N+1 μiJi all of region R (1.5.25)
In the Lorenz gauge, the potential wave equations don't have damped operator versions. However, for the
field wave equations (which know nothing of gauge) we can write both undamped and damped versions:
Undamped field wave equations (1.3.35) : ki2 = ω2μiεi
(∇2+k12)E = μ1jωJ1 + (1/ε1) Σi=2N+1 grad ρi (∇2+k12)B = - μ1 curl J1 // region 1

(∇2+k22)E = μ2jωJ2 (∇2+k22)B = - μ2 curl J2 // region 2
(∇2+k32)E = μ3jωJ3 (∇2+k32)B = - μ3 curl J3 // region 3 (1.5.26)
Damped field wave equations (1.3.36) : βi2 = ω2μiξi
(∇2+β12)E = (1/ε1) Σi=2N+1grad ρi (∇2+β12)B = 0 // region 1

(∇2+β22)E = 0 (∇2+β22)B = 0 // region 2
(∇2+β32)E = 0 (∇2+β32)B = 0 // region 3 (1.5.27)
These last equations follow from the previous set using Ji = σiE and curl Ji = σi curl E = -jωσiB.
The solution method was outlined earlier: for each inhomogeneous equation compute the particular
solution as a Helmholtz integral, then for all equations identify generic homogeneous solutions with
unknown constants, and finally determine those constants using boundary conditions from box (1.1.51).
The potential approach has the advantage of a single wave operator and only two equations, while the
damped field approach has the advantage of not involving any currents, but the disadvantage of having
three times more equations and requiring computation of grad ρi. There is a lot more to keep track of.
These are all of course vector Helmholtz equations.
In a problem having only a single region (having μ,ε,σ) containing current density J and charge density ρ
(perhaps inside the region, perhaps just on the surface), the Lorenz-gauge potential wave equations above
in (1.5.25) may be written
(∇2+k2)φ = - (1/ε) ρ k2 = ω2με all of region R

(∇2+k2)A = - μJ . k2 = ω2με all of region R (1.5.28)
60
These equations may be derived directly from the single-region field wave equations (1.2.1) and (1.2.2)
converted to the frequency domain,
(∇2 + k2)E = jωμJ + (1/ε) grad ρ k2 = ω2με

(∇2 + k2)B = - μ curl J . (1.5.29)
Each of these last four equations has its own Helmholtz integral,
∫ρ(x',ω) e R
-jkR
1
φ(x,ω) = 4πε dV' R = |x - x'| k2 = ω2με
μ
A(x,ω) = 4π ∫ e-jkR
J(x',ω) R dV' (1.5.30)
1
E(x,ω) = - 4π ∫ e-jkR
[ jωμJ(x',ω) + (1/ε) grad ρ(x',ω) ] R dV'
∫[ curl J(x',ω)] e R
-jkR
μ
B(x,ω) = 4π dV' . (1.5.31)
The A(x,ω) Helmholtz integral (1.5.30) appears on Jackson p 408, Eq. (9.3), with j → -i and μ→ μ0.
For this same single-region problem, the damped wave equation (1.5.27) becomes
(∇2+β2)E = (1/ε) grad ρ β2 = ω2μξ

(∇2+β2)B = 0 (1.5.32)
where again ρ might be in the volume and/or on the surface of the volume. This follows directly from
(1.5.29) using the methods above.
(e) Self Consistency of Helmholtz Integral Solutions
The various Helmholtz partial differential equations encountered in the previous sections have solutions
expressed as "Helmholtz integrals". In particular, our King gauge Helmholtz integrals for the potentials
have this form,
1
d
∫ e-jβdR
nci(x',ω) R dS' R = |x - x'| (1.5.13)
1
μiJi(x',ω) R dV' . (1.5.9)
These equations sometimes give the impression that one can willy-nilly specify an arbitrary charge
distribution nci and an arbitrary current distribution Ji for a set of transmission line conductors and then
these Helmholtz integrals will generate the correct potentials A and φ from which the correct fields E and
B may be obtained using (1.3.1),
61
B = curl A E = - grad φ - jωA . (1.3.1)
This is a false impression for one to infer from the discussion of the previous sections.
For example, in a "fat twinlead" transmission line of the kind to be mentioned in Section 2.5 below,
Fat twinlead Fig 2.16
the charge and current densities are extremely non-uniform. One cannot arbitrarily specify for this
problem a uniform n and Jz distribution in each conductor and expect the resultant E and B fields to be
correct.
The issue here is that solutions have to be self-consistent. Suppose one were to specify for the above
fat twin-lead problem a uniform n and Jz. That is to say, one specifies that surface charge n is uniform
around each circular cross section perimeter, and Jz is uniform across each disk area. The Helmholtz
integrals shown above would then yield some A and φ and that in turn would yield some E and B for the
fields in the dielectric between the conductors. One could then compute from the E field the value of
surface charge n on each conductor using (1.1.47) n = εdEn, where En is the normal E field just above the
conductor surface. Similarly, one could compute conduction currents in the conductors perhaps from J =
(1/μ)curl B - jωεE which is Maxwell (1.1.1). One would find, unfortunately, that the resulting n and J did
not agree with the initially assumed values of n and J. Such a "solution" is then meaningless because it is
not self-consistent.
All real-world Maxwell equation problems tend to have this circular aspect which makes solutions
more difficult than the solution of idealized problems. A problem mentioned elsewhere in this document
is that of a radiating dipole antenna. One can assume a certain sine shaped current pattern in the antenna,
compute from it the potentials and fields, and one will find when the antenna current is back-computed
from those fields that the pattern is not quite a sine pattern unless the wire is infinitely thin.
There are then two useful conclusions to be drawn here.
First, if transmission line conductors are very thin relative to their spacing, it is just fine to assume a
uniform charge and current distribution in those wires, since the actual non-uniformity will have only a
small effect on the solutions.
Second, a general method of solution is to start with some charge and current distributions that seem
reasonable based on one's general analysis of a problem. One can then find the back-computed charges
and currents, and adjust the input model accordingly. This would be the basis of either an analytic
iterative procedure, where the model has some adjustable parameters, or of a numerical procedure where
the model is the set of values that comprise the charge and current distribution and some kind of iterative
"relaxation" method then produces self-consistent solutions.
We note that the exact solution of the "fat twin lead" transmission line is derived in Chapter 6 by a
method which bypasses this iterative process, and which works only due to the simple nature of the
geometry.
62
1.6 Reinterpretation of all equations in terms of complex functions
It seemed useful to defer the topics of this section to avoid cluttering up the preceding five sections. The
Fourier Transform has already been used in the previous two sections, and here we discuss it more
formally as a motivating factor in changing our point of view from real to complex functions. The general
nature of the Fourier Transform of complex monochrome (ejωt) fields sets the stage for the analysis of
the round wire in Chapter 2.
(a) Complex Functions
Up to this point, we have been regarding the following fields as representing real physical quantities,
H(x,t) D(x,t) J(x,t) A(x,t)

B(x,t) E(x,t) ρ(x,t) φ(x,t) . (1.6.1)
The fields, potentials and sources exist in the real physical world and are related by equations involving
real operators like curl and ∂/∂t. We can represent such an equation as Lx,tf(x,t) = g(x,t) where Lx,t is
some real differential operator and f and g are real fields.
One can extend f and g such that f and g are either both the real or both the imaginary parts of
complex functions F and G. Then the equation Lx,tF(x,t) = G(x,t) represents two distinct physical
equations which we can write as
Lx,tF(x,t) = G(x,t) => Lx,t[f(x,t) + jf '(x,t)] = [g(x,t) + jg'(x,t)] =>
Lx,t f(x,t) = g(x,t) F(x,t) = f(x,t) + jf '(x,t)

Lx,t f '(x,t) = g'(x,t) G(x,t) = g(x,t) + jg'(x,t) . (1.6.2)
It is convenient to regard all the mathematical fields listed above in (1.6.1) as complex fields like F and G.
For example, we might write the Maxwell curl E equation (1.1.2) in this manner
curl E(x,t) = - ∂B(x,t)/∂t E(x,t) = e(x,t) + j e'(x,t)

B(x,t) = b(x,t) + j b'(x,t) . (1.6.3)
where e = Re(E) and e' = Im(E) and similarly for the B field.
The single left equation of (1.6.3) then represents these two different physical equations with real fields
curl e(x,t) = - ∂b(x,t)/∂t

curl e'(x,t) = - ∂b'(x,t)/∂t . (1.6.4)
Thus, one can regard one's physical fields as either the real or imaginary parts of the complex fields.
63
(b) Monochrome time
The classic application of this idea is the assumption that some complex field is "monochrome"
(monochromatic) in its time dependence, meaning for example,
Ei(x,t) = ej[ω1t+φi(x,ω1)] Ei(x,ω1) = ejω1t ejφi(x,ω1) Ei(x,ω1) , (1.6.5)
where Ei(x,ω1) = | Ei(x,t) | is real. Index i denotes a field component in an arbitrary coordinate system,
not just Cartesian coordinates. All time dependence is in the ejω1t factor and all spatial dependence is in
the factor [ejφi(x,ω1) Ei(x,ω1)] -- separation of variables. This monochrome field might be regarded as a
probe or driver of some system and the solution fields Ei(x,t) and phases φi(x,ω1) might depend
parametrically on the probe frequency ω1 as well as on position x.
For (1.6.5) the corresponding physical field assumption is either of these equations,
ei(x,t) = Re{ Ei(x,t)} = cos[ω1t + φi(x,ω1)] Ei(x,ω1)

e'i(x,t) = Im{ Ei(x,t)} = sin[ω1t + φi(x,ω1)] Ei(x,ω1) . (1.6.6)
We stress again that the phase φi(x,ω1) might depend on both x and ω1. A good prototype 1D example
for the ω1 dependence of phase φ1(x,ω1) is a damped harmonic oscillator with resonant frequency ω0
which is driven at frequency ω , ••
1 x +(1/τ)x•+ω 2x = k sin(ω t). The solution is,
0 1
x(t) = x(0) sin[ω1t + φ(ω1)] tan φ(ω1) = - (ω1/τ)/(ω02- ω12) .
Of course the solution function x(t) is not a field over R3, so in this case the phase φ has no x dependence.
Comments:
1. The assumed form (1.6.5) is the most general form one can have for a monochrome field. One can
always assume a more restrictive form for a certain type of problem and see where it leads. Such a
restricted form is an "ansatz" form meaning that one assumes that restricted form and then one tries to
find the solution to a specific problem with the E field so restricted. If a solution is found which satisfies
Maxwell's equations, then the ansatz form is justified. For example, one might use the more restrictive
ansatz where φi(x,ω) = φi(ω), or even more restrictive with φi(x,ω) = φi, a constant.
2. For a wave problem, one might try the following ansatz form which is a restriction of (1.6.5),
Ei(x,y,z,t) = ej(ω1t-kz) ejφi(x,y,ω1) Ei(x,y,ω1) (1.6.7)
where Ei(x,y,ω1) is real. In this form the entire dependence on t and z is exposed in the first factor, so the
solution then represents a wave traveling in the z direction.
64
3. Note in (1.6.5) that the phase function φi(x,ω1) can be different for different components Ei(x,t).
Appendix D studies the fields inside a round wire and the three field components Ez, Er and Eθ do indeed
have different phases for that problem.
(c) Why complex fields: The Fourier Transform
The reason for using a complex field like E(x,t) instead of the real field e(x,t) has to do with the Fourier
Transform (or the Laplace Transform). This transform is almost always needed to solve a non-trivial
problem involving Maxwell's equations, and we saw it in action in Section 1.5. With the convention that
the (1/2π) goes in the expansion formula along with e+jωt, we write the Fourier Integral Transform as :
[ for want of a better notation, f^(ω) is the transform of f(t) ]
E^(x,ω) = ∫
∞
dt E(x,t) e-jωt projection = transform (1.6.8a)
-∞
E(x,t) = (1/2π) ∫
∞
dω E^(x,ω) e+jωt . expansion = inverse transform = recovery (1.6.8b)
-∞
Here E(x,t) is the original complex field whose real and imaginary parts are physical fields as in (1.6.3) or
(1.6.6), while E^(x,ω) is the Fourier Transform of E(x,t).
As (1.6.8) shows, the dimensional units of the temporal Fourier transform of some quantity have an
extra sec factor. For example, since dim[E(x,t)] = volt/m, it follows that dim[E^(x,ω)] = volt-sec/m.
An obvious property of the Fourier Transform is this:
∂tE(x,t) = (1/2π) ∫ dω E^(x,ω) ∂t e+jωt = (1/2π) ∫

∞ ∞
dω [jω E^(x,ω)] e+jωt
-∞ -∞
which we can write as ( symbol ↔ means "corresponds to")
E(x,t) ↔ E^(x,ω) ⇔ ∂tE(x,t) ↔ jω E^(x,ω) (1.6.9)
which is just another way to state our rule (1.5.2).

In the case of assumed monochrome time dependence of the form (1.6.5) ( reflected in (1.6.6) ) one
finds that
Ei(x,t) = ej[ω1t+φi(x,ω1)] Ei(x,ω1) (1.6.5)
∫-∞ dt [ejω1t ejφi(x,ω1)Ei(x,ω1)] e-jωt = Ei(x,ω1) ejφi(x,ω1) ∫

∞ ∞
Eî(x,ω) = dt ej(ω1-ω)t
-∞
= [Ei(x,ω1) ejφi(x,ω1)] 2πδ(ω-ω1) (1.6.10)

or
E^(x,ω) = E(x,0) 2πδ(ω-ω1) . (1.6.11)
It is this very simple single-δ-function form that motivates the use of complex fields as carriers of the real
physical fields. One can of course Fourier-transform the monochrome physical field directly, but the
result is clumsy to deal with. For example,
65
ei(x,t) = Re{ Ei(x,t)} = cos[ω1t + φi(x,ω1)] Ei(x,ω1)

e'i(x,t) = Im{ Ei(x,t)} = sin[ω1t + φi(x,ω1)] Ei(x,ω1) . (1.6.6)
∫-∞ dt { cos[ω1t + φi(x,ω1)] Ei(x,ω1) }e-jωt

∞
eî(x,ω) =
∫-∞ dt { ej[ω1t+φi(x,ω1)]
∞
= Ei(x,ω1) (1/2) + e-j[ω1t+φi(x,ω1)] } e-jωt
= Ei(x,ω1) [ejφi(x,ω1)πδ(ω-ω1) + e-jφi(x,ω1)πδ(ω+ω1) ] . (1.6.12)

or
e^(x,ω) = [e(x,0) + je'(x,0)] π δ(ω-ω1) + [e(x,0) - je'(x,0)] π δ(ω+ω1) . (1.6.13)
This lacks the friendliness of (1.6.11) in that the real and imaginary parts of E(x,0) both appear on the
right, and two different ω-space delta functions are required. One could by fiat set e' = 0, for example, but
the two delta functions still remain.
A directly related benefit of using the complex function approach is the fact that math with exponentials
is so much simpler than the corresponding math with trig functions, as for example
ej(ωt+φ) e-j(ω't+φ') = ej(ω-ω')t ej(φ-φ') // dependence on t isolated to one factor

versus
cos(ωt+φ)cos(ω't+φ') = (1/2) { cos[(ω-ω')t + (φ-φ')] + cos[(ω+ω')t + (φ+φ')] } .
Comment: Using the real cosine form shown as the first line of (1.6.6) along with the Fourier Cosine
Transform is not viable because cos[ω1t + φi(x,ω1)] Ei(x,ω1) is not an even function of t.
(d) Monochrome E and B fields
One might seek to solve a system using monochrome fields of the form (1.6.5) for both the electric and
magnetic fields. Those forms would be (E and B are real)
Ei(x,t) = ej[ω1t+φei(x,ω1)] Ei(x,ω1)

Bi(x,t) = ej[ω1t+φbi(x,ω1)] Bi(x,ω1) (1.6.14)
where we assume the same frequency ω1 for both fields, but allow the fields to have different phase
functions φei and φbi. In this case (1.6.10) becomes
Eî(x,ω) = Ei(x,ω1) ejφei(x,ω1) 2πδ(ω-ω1)

Bî(x,ω) = Bi(x,ω1) ejφbi(x,ω1) 2πδ(ω-ω1) . (1.6.15)
The ratio of Ei over Bj is then given by
Eî(x,ω) Ei(x,ω1) j[φei(x,ω1)- φbj(x,ω1)]

= e . (1.6.16)
B^j(x,ω) Bj(x,ω1)
66
Since Ei and Bj are real, the phase of the ratio Eî/ B^j is determined by the last factor and will in
general be a function of both position x and frequency ω1. We shall see this situation arise in Chapter 2
where we calculate the fields inside a conducting round wire.
(e) The Line Strength
In the discussion above we have already defined many kinds of electric fields:
Ei(x,t) general complex electric field (component i) (1.6.17)
ei(x,t) Re[Ei(x,t) ] = candidate physical field
e'i(x,t) Im[Ei(x,t) ] = candidate physical field
Eî(x,ω) Fourier Integral Transform of Ei(x,t)
Ei(x,ω) magnitude of a monochrome field with frequency ω
φi(x,ω) phase of a monochrome field with frequency ω
Ei(x,ω) line strength of a monochromatic field with frequency ω
The last item is new. It has been added to make the above list complete, and we define it right here. Recall
the form of the Fourier Transform of a monochrome field given in (1.6.1),
Eî(x,ω) = [Ei(x,ω1) ejφi(x,ω1)] 2πδ(ω-ω1) . (1.6.10)
The factor [...] which multiplies 2πδ(ω-ω1) we shall refer to as the line strength of the monochromatic
electric field component, and we shall use this notation,
Ei(x,ω1) ≡ [Ei(x,ω1) ejφi(x,ω1)] // Ei(x,ω1) = | Ei(x, ω1) | (1.6.18)
and then
Eî(x,ω) = Ei(x,ω1) 2πδ(ω-ω1) . Ei(x,ω1) = line strength (1.6.19)
Since we shall normally refer to a monochrome frequency as ω (rather than ω1) with dependence ejωt, we
can rewrite the last three equations as
Eî(x,ω') = [Ei(x,ω) ejφi(x,ω)] 2πδ(ω'-ω) (1.6.20)
Ei(x,ω) ≡ [Ei(x,ω) ejφi(x,ω)] // Ei(x,ω) = | Ei(x, ω) | (1.6.21)
Eî(x,ω') = Ei(x,ω) 2πδ(ω'-ω) Ei(x,ω1) = line strength (1.6.22)
67
(f) Overloaded Notation and Maxwell's Equations in ω space
A rigorous textbook probably should be careful about which of the above many field versions are the
subject of any particular discussion. To the reader's possible dismay, we shall generally (but not always)
refer to all these electric fields as Ei and shall depend on the reader to decipher which kind of field is
implied in a given situation. The reason for this decision is that having a large number of notations for
electric fields (and for magnetic fields, and various other derived quantities such as potential V and
current i and current density Ji) adds a level of visual font complexity to equations which are already
complex enough to begin with. It is a tradeoff between precision and font/decoration clutter.
In particular, earlier in this section we have carefully denoted the Fourier Transform of f(t) as f^(ω) which
is a notation used by Stakgold and others (though Stakgold has our (1.6.8) phases negated as in his
equation (5.32) ). In the rest of this document, however, we represent the Fourier Transform of f(t) as f(ω)
to avoid a proliferation of hat ^ symbols. Since the functions f(t) and f(ω) are completely different
functions, the symbol f is "overloaded" (in the sense of overloaded variable names in computer
languages) and we trust the reader to understand that f(ω) always means f^(ω). It is the presence of the
argument ω that cues the reader to this fact. This overloaded notation has already been used in Section 1.5
and we continue it below. Similarly, a generic field Ei(ω) may refer to the full Fourier transform Eî, or
it may refer to the line strength Ei if monochromatic fields are being used. A field magnitude will always
be properly indicated as a magnitude. The physical fields make only rare appearances.
In the Maxwell and related equations which include the ∂t operator, if the fields are expanded onto their
Fourier transformed components using (1.6.8b), then using the rule (1.6.9) one may instantly write the
frequency-domain version of these equations, just as in the example at the start of Section 1.5. For
example,
curl H(x,ω) = jωD(x,ω) + J(x,ω) (1.6.23)
curl E(x,ω) = -jωB(x,ω) (1.6.24)
div J(x,ω) = -jωρ(x,ω) . (1.6.25)
Other equations in the Section 1.1 list have the same form but in terms of the frequency-domain
functions. For example,
J(x,ω) = σ(x) E(x,ω) (1.6.26)
where we momentarily allow σ(x) to have spatial dependence but not time dependence. All these ω
dependent fields can be regarded either as full Fourier transforms, or as the line strengths corresponding
to those transforms, where the 2πδ functions cancel on the two sides of the equation.
68
Chapter 2: The Round Wire and the Skin Effect
Chapter 1 dealt with the generalities of electromagnetic theory. Maxwell's equations were stated ex
machina, as it were, and wave equations for the fields and potentials were then derived. Formal integral
solutions of the potential wave equations were also derived using the Green's Function method. It was
noted that the potentials φ and A are parts of the same Lorentz 4-vector.
Whereas the approach of Chapter 1 was very general and abstract, the discussion of this chapter is
highly specific. The goal here is to learn about the properties of a very simple object -- an infinite straight
round wire. Although transmission lines are not always made out of round wires, there is a wealth of
useful practical information that arises from the study of this simple example which applies to more
general geometries.
The major issue here is called the "skin effect". At high frequencies, current is forced away from the
central regions of a conductor and concentrates at the surface in a thin layer that has a characteristic depth
called δ, the skin depth. In this chapter it will be shown exactly why this occurs. The significance of the
effect is that the resistance (impedance) of a wire increases drastically at high frequency since the current
is forced to flow only in this thin shell below the wire surface. This effect is manifested in a property of a
wire called its surface impedance which is studied below in Section 2.4 and qualitatively in Section 2.5.
Our development is an extension of the excellent discussion of Matick's Chapter 4. It is fastest to
solve the round wire problem starting with the ω-domain damped wave equation (1.5.32) which, inside
the wire where there is no free charge, says (∇2 + β2)E = 0 with β2 = ω2μξ where μ and ξ apply to the
conductor. Instead, we have chosen to start from the basic Maxwell curl equations and use simple "math
loops" to derive the basic (first order differential) equations relating E and B fields. The general technique
of putting loops in opportune places is extremely useful in analyzing the more complicated situation
which arises in a transmission line. This method is carried out in Section 2.2 and the wire's interior
solutions are then studied in Section 2.3.
In the work done below, we shall assume axial symmetry for the fields in the round wire. The
problem is treated more generally in Appendix D where the Helmholtz equation (∇2 + β2)E = 0 is directly
solved. The partial wave m = 0 solution of Appendix D corresponds to the analysis below.
2.1 The Implicit Wave Context, Helmholtz Equations and the Skin Effect
In the sections below we don't explicitly consider the notion that a wave is traveling down our round wire,
but that is in fact what is happening and this fact deserves a few comments before we delve into the
interior solution of the wire. Specifically, imagine that E has the following traveling-wave form,
E(x,y,z,t) = ej(ωt-kz) E(x,y,ω) (2.1.1)
where E(x,y,ω) might have dependence on ω and might be complex. Inside the wire this field must satisfy
the damped wave equation (1.3.36),
(∇2 - με ∂t2 - μσ∂t) E(x,y,z,t) = 0 . (2.1.2)
When the form (2.1.1) is inserted into (2.1.2), the result is, using ∇2 = ∇2D2 + ∂z2,
69
(∇2D2 + ∂z2 - με ∂t2 - μσ∂t) { ej(ωt-kz) E(x,y,ω)} = 0

or
(∇2D2 - k2 + με ω2 - jμσω) { ej(ωt-kz) E(x,y,ω)} = 0
or
(∇2D2 - k2 + β2) { ej(ωt-kz) E(x,y,ω)} = 0
or
(∇2D2 + β2 - k2) E(x,y,ω) = 0 // a 2D Helmholtz equation (2.1.3)
where
β2 = μεω2 - jωμσ = ω2μ (ε - jσ/ω) = ω2μ ξ . ξ ≡ ε - jσ/ω (1.5.1c)
Comment: E(x,y,ω) is proportional to the Fourier Transformed ω-domain version of E(x,y,z,t) :
E^(x,y,z,ω') ≡ FT{ E(x,y,z,t), ω'} = e-jkz E(x,y,ω) 2πδ(ω-ω') . // see (1.6.11)
A similar equation applies just outside the round wire in the dielectric medium in which it is embedded,
and this medium has its own β which we call βd. Thus we have
( ∇22D + β2 - k2) E(x,y,ω) = 0 inside wire β = (j - 1) ωμσ/2 = complex (2.1.4a)

2 2 2
(∇ 2D + βd - k ) E(x,y,ω) = 0 outside wire βd = ω μdεd = ω/vd ≈ real . (2.1.4b)
We have assumed that

• the dielectric is non-conducting or only slightly conducting so ξd ≈ εd.
• the conductor is a good one, so β2 ≈ (- j) ωμσ and then β = -j ωμσ . As will be shown below, the
choice for -j is ej3π/4 = (j-1)/ 2 which then gives β = (j - 1) ωμσ/2 as in (2.1.4a).
In (2.1.4b) we then make the ansatz assumption,
k = βd (2.1.5)
which basically says that the wave form ej(ωt-kz) E(x,y,ω) really does describe a wave traveling down
the wire with k = βd. This k = βd = ω/vd is then related to the speed of light in the dielectric and is the
expected value of k for, say, a radio or light wave traveling through the dielectric with no wire present.
Once we have assumed ej(ωt-βdz) for the dielectric solution, the boundary conditions (1.1.51) on field
components at the wire surface will force this same dependence on the solution inside the wire.
It will be shown later that (2.1.5) is valid for a transmission line operating at sufficiently high
frequency ( see (Q.3.5) ), or equivantly, if the conductor has sufficiently large conductivity σ. In this case,
the resistive loss inside the conductors can be neglected and conductors are "perfect conductors". Even if
they are not completely perfect, (2.1.5) is close to true for a conventional "low-loss" transmission line.
In (2.1.4a), since the conductor has such a large σ, |β| is a large number and |β| >> βd (unless ω is
extremely large or, as we shall later see, very small), so k2 can be ignored in (2.1.4a). We then have
70
( ∇22D + β2) E(x,y,ω) ≈ 0 inside wire β = (j - 1) ωμσ/2 = complex (2.1.6a)

∇22D E(x,y,ω) = 0 . outside wire (2.1.6b)
The second equation says that the E field outside the wire must solve the 2D vector Laplace equation. See
Appendix D.7 for comments on the general exterior solution. Appendix D uses β'2 ≡ β2 - βd2 and does
not make the approximation that β' ≈ β, but we make that approximation here.
To put our "isolated" round wire into a physical context, it helps to think of it as the round central
conductor of a coaxial cable whose shield cylinder radius is very large compared to the central wire radius
(the Great Cylinder, analogous to the Great Sphere of electrostatics). Then this central round wire is really
part of a transmission line and we expect such a transmission line to carry a wave with ej(ωt-βdz) time
and z dependence. Moreover, we expect the field solution inside such a coaxial cable central wire to have
the axial symmetry that appears in our assumption list below.
It is equation (2.1.6a) for the wire interior that we shall encounter below, and hopefully we have now
put that equation into the context of a wave traveling down the wire.
If βd has a small negative imaginary part due to conductivity of the dielectric (see (1.5.1a)), the factor
-jβdz
e says that the wave slowly damps out as it travels down the wire due to dielectric ohmic loss, as it
well should. (In a laser inverted medium βd has a positive imaginary part so the wave grows instead.)
On the other hand, β is huge and has equal real and imaginary part magnitudes. Due to our axial
symmetry, (2.1.6a) really says (∇22D + β2) E(r,ω) = 0 which can be thought of as a "wave equation" in the
radial direction. Of course it is a damped wave equation of a very extreme sort. As one moves in from the
surface of the wire toward the center, we show later that over a distance in which the "wave" phase
changes by about π/2, the amplitude is already down by a factor 1/e, so one can roughly say that the wave
basically damps out before it even goes 1/2 wavelength. This is the skin effect described below.
To understand this effect, it is useful to consider a 1D version of the situation. Imagine zooming the
camera in very close to the left surface of the round wire's cross section, so that we see a half space of
conductor on the right and a half space of dielectric on the left. Let the radial direction be called x which
increases into the conductor with x = 0 at the interface. Then the inside-wire wave equation above says
(∂x2 + β2) E(x,ω) = 0 . (2.1.7)
The solution to this equation is (we select a particular sign for the phase, and see (2.1.6a) for β)
E(x,ω) = E(0,ω) e+jβx = E(0,ω) exp{ j [(j - 1) ωμσ/2 ] x}
= E(0,ω) exp{- ωμσ/2 x} exp{ -j ωμσ/2 x}
= E(0,ω) exp{- x/δ} exp{ -j x/δ} δ ≡ 2/(ωμσ)
= E(0,ω) e-x/δ e-jx/δ . // = E(0,ω) e-(j+1)x/δ (2.1.8)
As one moves from x=0 to the right into the conductor, in distance δ the E field amplitude drops to 1/e
and the phase has changed by π/2. Quantity δ is called the skin depth, and this is probably the most basic
way to understand the notion of the skin effect. It is a result dictated by the Helmholtz equation having a
complex parameter β of the type shown. Based on this argument, the skin effect occurs at any conductor
71
surface regardless of its cross-sectional shape. Below we see in the round wire example how the
Helmholtz equation (2.1.6a) is in turn a result of the two Maxwell curl equations each of which relates E
and B. Of course this is how the Helmholtz equation was derived in the first place starting with (1.2.1).
2.2 Derivation of E(r), B(r) and J(r) for a round wire
We convert (1.1.38) and (1.1.36) to the ω domain using rule (1.5.2),
curl B = μ (jωε E + J ) ⇔ ∫
{C B • ds = μ∫S [jωεE + J ] • dS (2.2.1)
curl E = − jωB ⇔ ∫
{ C E • ds = -jω∫S B • dS . (2.2.2)
The two terms on the right side of (2.2.1) have names (we sometimes omit the word "density")
jωεE = displacement current (density) // amps/m2

J = σE = conduction current (density) // amps/m2 .
The sum of both currents may be written as
( jωε + σ) E(x,ω) .
For any metal conductor such as copper, the displacement term is completely negligible as long as ωε <<
σ. The value of ε for a metal is not very obvious (see Jackson pp 309-313) so we will follow Matick p 118
and blindly set ε = ε0 for a crude comparison. The condition for negligible displacement current ωε << σ
then becomes f << σ/[2πε0]. Using σ = 5.81 x 107 mho/m and ε0 = 8.85 x 10-12 F/m, one gets
f << (σ/2πε ) = 1.04 x 1018 Hz ≈ one billion GHz .
Therefore, the displacement current is always ignored inside a conductor for any conventional
transmission line application. Whatever ε really is, we shall ignore jωε compared to σ. All the current
inside a good conductor is conduction current. With respect to (1.5.1c), this same approximation means
that inside a conductor,
ξ ≈ - jσ/ω β2 ≈ - jωμσ . // f << 1018 H (2.2.3)
We now make a set of assumptions:
(a) the round wire conductor medium is uniform (homogeneous) and isotropic (2.2.4)
(b) the current pattern in the wire is axially symmetric (no dependence on azimuth θ;
it is invariant under any rotation of the wire about its center line)
^ , so J = Jz
(c) the current is axial (longitudinal), so J = Jz
(d) the E field is also axial so E = Ez^ ( this follows from (c) and J = σE ), so E = Ez
(e) The B field lines go around in circles centered at the wire axis. The relation between the direction
of B and the current flow J is given by the right hand rule. If J = Jz > 0, then B = Bθ > 0.
72
Thus, we represent Jz(x,y,ω) = J(r), Ez(x,y,ω) = E(r), and Bθ(x,y,ω) = B(r) -- no dependence on θ or z.
The fields like Ez(x,y,ω) are of the type shown on the right of (2.1.3) where the z dependence has already
been extracted. Fields E(x,y,ω), B(x,y,ω) and J(x,y,ω) are complex, so E(r), B(r) and J(r) are all complex.
They all depend on ω, but we suppress the ω arguments. As noted above, E = E(r) ^ z and B = B(r) ^θ.
Here is another way to state assumption (b). We search for an axially symmetric solution of
Maxwell's equations for the round wire, and if we find one, we accept it as a possible way fields and
currents could exist in the wire. If the wire were in idealized perfect isolation with an axially symmetric
source and load, the invariance of the physical situation with regard to rotation about the wire axis would
require (b) to be valid. This symmetry is also implied by our "fat" coaxial cable context noted earlier.
Consider now the thin (width is dr) red loop shown in Fig 2.1:
Fig 2.1
Cross section view of wire, current flowing in ^
z direction toward viewer
According to (2.2.1) with J = σE and no displacement current,
∫
{C B • ds = (μσ) ∫S E • dS . (2.2.5)
For the CCW loop shown, the "right hand rule" says area dS points out of the plane of paper. The two
sides of this equation can be easily evaluated (B = Bθ and E = Ez)
[ B(r+dr) (r+dr) - B(r) r] θ = (μσ) E(r) [ rθ dr ] (2.2.6)
which simplifies to
∂ [r B(r)]
∂r = (μσ) [r E(r) ] . (2.2.7)
Comment: When one says in Fig 2.1 that "J points in the ^ z direction", one interpretation might be that
^
the vector J has the form J = Jz z and that Jz > 0. That is not the correct interpretation for our pictures.
The quoted phrase just means that J = Jz^z and nothing is implied about the "sign" of Jz. In our case, Jz =
J(r) is a complex number which has no "sign". If we said "J points in the -z ^ direction" we would just
mean that J = Jz(-z^) = -Jz^z . Our only interest in clarifying these "directions" is to get the signs right in
our application of Stokes's law. The same comment applies to the direction of B in the next figure. By
saying that "B points out of the plane of paper", we just mean that B = +B(r)θ ^ which is consistent with the
73
fact that J = +Jz^z according to the right hand rule: thumb in the "direction" of J at the wire axis, curled
fingers are in the "direction" of B.
Now consider the thin red loop shown in Fig. 2.2,
Fig 2.2
Top view of wire's central plane, current flowing in ^
z direction (down)
According to (2.2.2),
∫
{ C E • ds = -jω∫S B • dS (2.2.2)
where, for the CCW loop shown, the right hand rule puts dS pointing to the viewer (aligned with B which
points to the viewer due to its right hand rule with J ). The two sides of this equation are easily evaluated
(the first term on the left is negative because ^
z points down while the red arrow points up)
[ - E(r+dr) + E(r)] s = -jωB(r) [ s dr ] (2.2.8)
which simplifies to
∂E(r)
∂r = jωB(r) . (2.2.9)
This equation says that E(r) changes with radius as long as ω ≠ 0 and B(r) ≠ 0. Since everything is
complex, we cannot really tell from (2.2.9) that |E(r)| increases with radius, but we shall see below that it
does, and this fact gives rise to the "skin effect" where current is maximum at the wire surface.
Reader Exercise: Why can't one take the absolute value of both sides of (2.2.9) and reach the conclusion
that ∂r|E(r)| = ω|B(r)| > 0 and conclude that |E(r)| increases with r? Hint: ∂x|f| ≠ |∂xf|
Now solve (2.2.9) for B(r) and put this into (2.2.7) to get
1 ∂ ∂E(r) 2
r ∂r (r ∂r ) = (jωμσ) E(r) = - β E(r) (2.2.10)
74
where β2 = - jωμσ from (2.2.3). The operator on the left is ∇2 in cylindrical coordinates for a function that
does not depend on θ or z. For such functions, ∇2 = (∂z2 + ∇22D) and ∇22D are equivalent. Thus,
(2.2.10) is really a special case of the following
[ ∇22D + β2 ] E(r) = 0 . (2.2.11)
This in turn is a special case of the E field wave equation (2.1.6a),
( ∇22D + β2) E(x,y,ω) = 0 . (2.1.6a)
The Helmholtz parameter β2 is given by (1.5.1c) ,
β2 = μεω2 - jωμσ = ω2μ ( ε - jσ/ω) ≈ -jωμσ . (1.5.1c)
The ε term in β2 has been neglected since σ is very large. Parameter β = 2π/λ is a "wavenumber" and has
dimensions of m-1. If λ were real (it is not), then β would be the number of wave radians per meter just as
ω is the number of wave radians per second.
The complex number -j has two square roots which are ej3π/4 and e-jπ/4,
Fig 2.3
and we specify the upper red arrow as the square root in the definition of β,
β ≡ ej3π/4 ωμσ . // β = (j - 1) ωμσ/2 = (j-1)/δ (2.2.12)
We could have started out with (2.2.11) and skipped all the above analysis of loops, but this method of
using loops emphasizes the direct action of Maxwell's equations and seems instructive.
Comment: One could of course take the other square root of -j and develop things that way. Historically
the root selected above has been used. Taking the other root means β → -β. A review of the solutions
obtained below shows that they are invariant under β → -β. Such a review can use the facts that J0(-z) =
J0(z), and J1(-z) = -J1(z). In general Jν(z) is analytic at z = 0 for Reν ≥ 0 and the rules just stated follow
from the series representations of J0 and J1 as shown for example in Spiegel 24.5 and 25.6. In "exterior"
problems involving the Hankel functions, there is significance as to whether z = βr is in the upper or
lower z-plane in terms of convergence for large r. For example, if β is in the upper half plane, then
H(1)(βr) is the function that converges as r→∞ and H(2)(βr) blows up:
75
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bessel_function
The next step is to expand (2.2.10) as follows:
∂2E(r) 1 ∂E(r) 2
∂r2 + r ∂r + β E(r) = 0
or
∂2E(r) ∂E
r2 2 2
∂r2 + r ∂r + r β E(r) = 0 . (2.2.13)
Change variables to dimensionless x = βr. Then
r = x/β x = βr ∂x/∂r = ∂rx = β
∂E ∂E ∂x ∂E
∂rE = ∂r = ∂x ∂r = β ∂x (2.2.14)
∂2E 2 2 2
2
2 ∂ E
2 = ∂r E = ∂r(∂rE) = ∂r(β∂xE) = β∂x(∂rE) = β∂x(β∂xE) = β ∂x E = β
∂r ∂x2 . (2.2.15)
Inserting these quantities into (2.2.13) gives
∂2E ∂E
r2β2 ∂x2 + r β ∂x + r2β2E = 0
or
∂2f(x) ∂f(x)
x2 ∂x2 + x ∂x + x2f(x) = 0 (2.2.16)
where f(x) = E(x/β). Now (2.2.16) happens to be Bessel's Equation with ν = 0 [NIST 10.2.1], and the
solution must therefore be a linear combination of this form, where C and D are constants,
f(x) = C J0(x) + DY0(x) . (2.2.17)
So far, we still don't know which way ∂E/∂r in (2.2.9) is changing, but we are about to find out. Since f(x)
represents the current and the electric field, we know f(0) cannot be infinite. But Y0(x) blows up at x=0
[NIST 10.8.2] , therefore constant D = 0. We now have an exact solution for the electric field in the wire:
76
E(r) = f(x) = C J0(βr) (2.2.18)

where
β = ej3π/4 ωμσ = (j - 1) ωμσ/2 . (2.2.19)
The following definition is usually made (factor of 2 explained later)
δ ≡ 2/ωμσ = skin depth // ωμσ = 2/δ2 (2.2.20)
so that
β = ej3π/4 ( 2 /δ) = (j-1)/δ and β2 = -2j/δ2 . (2.2.21)
It is convenient to divide (2.2.18) by itself evaluated at r=a which we shall assume is the radius of our
round wire, so (plots coming soon),
J0(βr)
E(r) = E(a) J (βa) . (2.2.22)
0
According to (2.2.9) which says ∂rE(r) = jωB(r) we can write
∂r[J0(βr)] βJ0'(βr) J0'(βr)

B(r) = (1/jω)∂rE(r) = (1/jω) E(a) J0(βa) = (1/jω) E(a) J0(βa) = (β/jω) E(a) J0(βa) .
Since J0'(x) = -J1(x) [ NIST 10.6.2 ] this gives,
J1(βr)
B(r) = -(β/jω) E(a) J (βa) (2.2.23)
0
which when evaluated at r = a gives
J1(βa) J0(βa)
B(a) = -(β/jω) E(a) J (βa) => E(a) = - (jω/β) J (βa) B(a) (2.2.24)
0 1
which relates the two surface values B(a) and E(a). An alternative way to write B(r) is
J1(βr) J1(βa) J1(βr) J1(βr)

B(r) = B(a) J (βa) = {-(β/jω) E(a) J (βa) } J (βa) = -(β/jω) E(a) J (βa) . (2.2.25)
1 0 1 0
Ampere's law with a circular loop just below the surface gives, where I is the total wire current,
μI
2πaHθ = I => 2πaBθ/μ = I => B(a) = 2πa (2.2.26)
from which we find from (2.2.24) that
77
μI J0(βa)
E(a) = - (jω/β) 2πa J (βa) . (2.2.27)
1
Using (2.2.26) for B(a) in (2.2.25) gives
μI J1(βr)
B(r) = 2πa J (βa) (2.2.28)
1
and using (2.2.24) for E(a) in (2.2.22) gives
J0(βr) μI J0(βa) J0(βr) μI J0(βr)

E(r) = E(a) J (βa) = {- (jω/β) 2πa J (βa) } J (βa) = - (jω/β) 2πa J (βa) . (2.2.29)
0 1 0 1
Let us gather up some of the main results obtained so far and put them in a box:
Interior Field Solution of a Round Wire (2.2.30)
∂ [ rB(r)] ∂E(r)
∂r = (μσ) [ r E(r) ] (2.2.7) ∂r = jωB(r) (2.2.9)
μI J1(βr) μI
B(r) = 2πa J (βa) (2.2.28) B(a) = 2πa (2.2.26)
1
μI J0(βr) μI J0(βa)
E(r) = 2πa J (βa) (-jω/β) (2.2.29) E(a) = 2πa J (βa) (-jω/β) (2.2.27)
1 1
μI J0(βr) I J0(βr)
J(r) = 2πa J (βa) (-jωσ/β) = 2πa J (βa) β from J(r) = σE(r)
1 1
β = ej3π/4 ( 2 /δ) = ej3π/4 ωμσ = (j - 1) ωμσ/2 = (j - 1)/δ (2.2.19), (2.2.21)
δ ≡ 2/ωμσ = skin depth β2 = -2j/δ2 = -jωμσ (2.2.20) , (2.2.21)
The reader is reminded once again that E(r), B(r) and J(r) are complex functions of r and ω since they are
components of the Fourier Integral Transform of the time-domain fields and current density. Since β is
complex, the various Jν(βr) are also complex. Thus, the nature of the solutions in the above box is not
very obvious at this point.
Comment: Appendix D does an exact calculation of the E and B fields inside a round wire using a partial
wave analysis with index m. The solution for the problem considered here in Chapter 2 corresponds to the
partial wave m = 0 and is stated in summary box (D.6.3) and then in (D.6.6). It is shown that the Ez and
78
Bθ fields there match those obtained here, but in addition there is an extra field component Er which is
very small in the ratio |βd0/β|. The reason our calculation here failed to discover this smaller field
component was that we assumed E = E(r) ^ z and B = B(r) ^θ . An implication of E ≠ 0 is that E (r=a) ≠ 0
r r
which, as shown in (D.2.24), implies the existence of a surface charge on the round wire. This then fits
with our context model of the round wire as the central conductor of a fat coaxial transmission line as
discussed in Section 2.1.
2.3 A study of the solution of a round wire
(a) Kelvin Functions
The reader may be aware of the so-called first-kind modified Bessel function defined by
Iν(x) ≡ e-jπν/2 Jν(ejπ/2x) ,
where the Jν function argument has phase π/2. Unfortunately, our Jν(βr) functions have phase 3π/4 so the
Iν functions are not particularly useful.
The real and imaginary parts of a Bessel function having an argument with phase (3/4)π have the
following historic names (bessel real and bessel imaginary) called Kelvin functions [ NIST 10.61.1 ],
Jν(ej3π/4z) = berν(z) + j beiν(z) . (2.3.1)
In our application ej3π/4z = βr = ej3π/4( 2 /δ) r so that z = 2 (r/δ). Thus, the solution E(r) in (2.2.22)
may be written as,
ber0[ 2(r/δ)] + j bei0[ 2(r/δ)]

E(r) = E(a) . z = 2 (r/δ) (2.3.2)
ber0[ 2(a/δ)] + j bei0[ 2(a/δ)]
The Kelvin functions are real when the arguments are real and positive. This is the case for almost all
special functions (they are "real analytic"), though derived functions like Hn(1)(z) are an exception.
Similar functions kerν and keiν are associated with Kν(ej3π/4z ) where Kν is the second-kind modified
Bessel function. Since J(r) = σ E(r), we could replace E with J on both sides of (2.3.2). This equation for J
appears in Matick as p 101 (4-18).
Note: Lord Kelvin (William Thomson) introduced the ber and bei notation for these functions while
considering the same problem we are dealing with here. The functions appear in the Appendix of his 34
page 1889 inaugural address used when he became president of the Institute of Electrical Engineers (see
Refs) :
79
We can verify using Maple (which Kelvin would have enjoyed) that these are the ber0 and bei0 functions:
Some authors, not liking Kelvin's notation, use Ber, Bei, Ker, Kei for ber, bei, ker, kei. Perhaps the idea is
that Be is more obviously Bessel and perhaps Ke is then for Kelvin.
Since these Bessel forms occur frequently, there are standard functions for their magnitude and phase
[ NIST 10.68.1 ]
Jν(ej3π/4z) = Mν(z) ejθν(z) . (2.3.3)
Of particular interest is the magnitude of E(r). Applying (2.3.3) to the E(r) in (2.2.22) gives
M0[ 2 ( r/δ )]
|E(r)| = |E(a)| . (2.3.4)
M0[ 2 ( a/δ )]
(b) Plots of |E(r)/E(a)| for various δ values
Finally we are in a position to make some plots to see how the electric field magnitude varies with radius
in a round wire as a function of the skin depth parameter δ ≡ 2/ωμσ . As ω increases, δ decreases. Our
aging Maple V knows about the Kelvin functions but not M, so here is the code
and here are plots of |E(r)| / |E(a)| for a = 20 and δ = 1 to 10, The steepest curve is for δ = 1:
80
Fig 2.4
The same plots apply to |J(r)| / |J(a)|. One sees clearly how the current and electric field magnitude drop
off quickly moving in from the edge of the round wire (right edge of graph) toward the wire axis when δ
is small relative to radius a.
Asymptotic expansions for Mn(z) and θn(z) for large z are given by NIST 10.68.16 and 10.68.18,
exp(z/ 2 ) 4ν2-1
Mν(z) ≈ [1 - + O(1/z2) ]
2πz 8 2z
4ν2-1
θν(z) ≈ (z/ 2 ) + (π/2) [ ν - 1/4 ] + + O(1/z2) . (2.3.5)
8 2z
For ν = 0 we find
exp(z/ 2 ) 1
M0(z) ≈ [1 + ]
2πz 8 2z
1
θ0(z) ≈ (z/ 2 ) - (π/8) – . (2.3.6)
8 2z
1
For z > 3 the correction term in M0(z) is less than .03 so we can ignore it for rough estimates. In
8 2z
this case one gets
M0[ 2 ( r/ δ )] M0(z)
|E(r)| = |E(a)| = |E(a)| M (z ) z = 2 (r/δ) za = 2 (a/δ)
M0[ 2 ( a/ δ )] 0 a
exp(z/ 2 ) 2πza
≈ |E(a)| = |E(a)| exp([z-za]/ 2 ) za/z .
exp(za 2 ) 2πz
But [z-za]/ 2 = (r/δ)-(a/δ) = (r-a)/δ and za/z = a/r . Thus we find that
81
|E(r)| a (r-a)/δ
|E(a)| = r e r/δ > 3/ 2 = 2.1 . (2.3.7)
This is the famous skin depth result as it appears for a round wire. This ratio is 1 at the surface and then
drops off exponentially with characteristic distance δ moving inside the wire. One sees now why the 2
was included in the definition of δ: there is then no 2 in equation (2.3.7). Comparing (2.3.7) to the one-
dimensional skin depth formula (2.1.8) one sees an extra a/r factor arising from the cylindrical
geometry.
Equation (2.3.7) is valid down to within about 2 skin depths of the center axis of the wire. In general, one
can assume the field E(r) is zero for all practical purposes perhaps 5 skin depths in from the surface (if a >
5δ). Here are plots of |E(r)|/|E(a)| using the approximate formula (2.3.7) for the same ten δ values as our
previous plots,
Fig 2.5
Previous plot using a certain approximation discussed above
and here are the two sets of plots superimposed with some notations added:
82
Fig 2.6
The wire radius is a = 20, and the curves are for δ = 1 to 10, with δ = 1 being the rightmost and steepest
curve. The red (exact) and black (approximate) curves for δ = 1 agree down to r = 2 at least. The δ = 5
red/black pair of curves start to pull apart around r = 10 which is 2 skin depths from the center. The δ = 8
red/black pair of curves start to pull apart around r = 16. We thus verify the claim made above that each
red/black pair of curves agree starting at r = a and moving in to about 2 skin depths from the center line
(the pull-apart points are marked by dots). One can also see that the electric field is roughly zero about 5
skin depths in from the surface (marked by x's).
Here are some skin depth values in copper based on (2.2.20) δ = 2/(ωμσ) with σ = 5.81 x 107mho/m,
and μ = μ0 = 4π x 10-7 H/m. Selecting a reference point of 1 GHz, we have,
δ= 2/(2πfμ0σ) = 1/(πfμ0σ) = 1/f 1/(π 109μ0 σ) = 2.09 x 1/f(GHz) μ . (2.3.8)
Here then is a table of copper skin depths (μ = microns),
f δ f δ
100 GHz 0.21μ 100 KHz 209μ
10 GHz 0.66μ 10 KHz 661μ
1 GHz 2.09μ 1 KHz 0.21 cm
100MHz 6.61μ 100 Hz 0.66 cm
10 MHz 20.9μ 10 Hz 2.09 cm
1 MHz 66.1μ 1 Hz 6.61 cm (2.3.9)
83
The radius of the center conductor of Belden 8281 coaxial cable is 15.5 mil = 394 μ, so the skin effect
restriction occurs for f ≈ 1 MHz and above. At 1 GHz δ is about 1/200th the radius.
As we get into the lower frequencies, the exponential decay no longer applies for Belden 8281. For very
low frequencies, we can use the small z limit of J0(z) to see how the distortion begins at low frequency,
J0(z) = 1 - z2/4 z << 1 // Spiegel 24.5 z = 2 (r/δ) .
Using the expression for E(r) and β2 in box (2.2.26) we find
E(r) 1 + j (r/δ)2/2 |E(r)| 1 + (r/δ)4/4

E(a) = 1 + j (a/δ)2/2 |E(a)| = 1 +(a/δ)4/4 . (2.3.10)
This shows the very early phase of the skin effect happening at low frequencies. Eq. (2.3.10) would apply
for example in Belden 8281 at 1 KHz and below where δ/a ≥ 5. There is a very slight dip in the E(r) and
J(r) distribution at r=0 compared to r=a. For example, with a = 20 and δ = 100 one has z ≤ 2 (a/δ) = 2
(1/5) = .28 for all values of r, so z is "small" in the whole range. Below is a plot of |E(r)/E(a)| in this case.
Notice the offset zero so the drop is only 2 parts in 10,000.
Fig 2.7
Slight dip in E(r) or J(r) moving from surface to center for a round wire
in the low frequency limit. In this case radius a = 20 and skin depth δ = 200.
(c) Review of the round wire solution
To conclude this section, we state in full notation the solution of the round wire as outlined above, using
ω rather than δ as the argument of interest, where recall δ = 2/ωμσ so z = 2 (r/δ) = r ωμσ . The
following two expressions are (2.2.22) and (2.2.25) with (β/jω) = ejπ/4 ωμσ /ω as in (2.2.12):
84
ber0[r ωμσ ] + j bei0[r ωμσ ]

E(r,ω) = E(a,ω) (2.3.11)
ber0[a ωμσ ] + j bei0[a ωμσ ]
ber1[r ωμσ ] + j bei1[r ωμσ ] μσ

B(r,ω) = E(a,ω) (- ejπ/4 ω ) . (2.3.12)
The ratio is then
B(r,ω) ber1[r ωμσ ] + j bei1[r ωμσ ] jπ/4 μσ

E(r,ω) = ber0[r ωμσ ] + j bei0[r ωμσ ] (-e ω ) . (2.3.13)
The time-domain fields are, from (2.1.1) and our assumptions (2.2.4) (d) and (e),
E(x,y,z,t) = ej(ωt-βdz) E(r,ω) ^

z
B(x,y,z,t) = ej(ωt-βdz) B(r,ω) ^
θ (2.3.14)
so that, in terms of the complex value E(a,ω),
ber0[r ωμσ ] + j bei0[r ωμσ ]

E(x,y,z,t) = ej(ωt-βdz) E(a,ω) ^
z
(2.3.15)
μσ ber1[r ωμσ ] + j bei1[r ωμσ ] ^
B(x,y,z,t) = - ej(ωt-βdz) E(a,ω) ejπ/4 ω ber0[a ωμσ ] + j bei0[a ωμσ ] θ .
In the notation of Section 1.6 (d) these equations can be written,
E(x,y,z,t) = ej(ωt-βdz) ejφez(r,ω) E(r,ω) ^

z E(r,ω) = ejφez(r,ω) E(r,ω)
B(x,y,z,t) = ej(ωt-βdz) ejφbθ(r,ω) B(r,ω) ^
θ B(r,ω) = ejφbθ(r,ω) B(r,ω) (2.3.16)
where E(r,ω) = |E(r,ω)| and B(r,ω) = |B(r,ω)| are real. From (1.6.8) we see that E(r,ω) and B(r,ω) are really
"line strength" type fields. As shown in (1.6.6), the physical fields could be taken as either of the
following pairs
Ephys(x,y,z,t) = Re{ E(x,y,z,t) } = cos[ωt - βdz + φez(r,ω) ] E(r,ω) ^

z
B (x,y,z,t) = Re{ B(x,y,z,t) } = cos[ωt - β z + φ (r,ω) ] B(r,ω) θ^ (2.3.17)
phys d bθ
or
Ephys(x,y,z,t) = Im{ E(x,y,z,t) } = sin[ωt - βdz + φez(r,ω) ] E(r,ω) ^
z
Bphys(x,y,z,t) = Im{ B(x,y,z,t) } = sin[ωt - β z + φ (r,ω) ] B(r,ω) ^
d bθ θ (2.3.18)
85
(d) Plots of the round wire solution for Belden 8281 at 5 MHz.
Here is some Maple code to generate various plots, where we arbitrarily set E0 = E(a,ω) = 1 volt/m, μ =
μ0 = 4π x 10-7, σcopper = 5.81*107, ω = 2π [ 5 MHz ], and a = 394 μ -- all as appropriate for the center
conductor of Belden 8281 coaxial cable. Notice that the factor
μσ
ω = 4π*5.81/2π 106 = 10-3 2*5.81 = 3.4 x 10-3
causes B to be small even at the surface r = a. We first set in the parameters just quoted,
and then do the plots as follows, using (2.3.11) for E and (2.3.12) for B :
Fig 2.8
E = Magnitude of E φez = Phase of E
86
Fig 2.9
B = Magnitude of B φbθ = Phase of B
Fig 2.10
B/E = Magnitude of B/E φbθ-φez = Phase of B/E
Regarding the fast cycling of the phases of E and B, recall the discussion above (2.1.7) concerning the
notion of the field being a highly damped radial wave, and below (2.1.7) where it was noted that in the 1D
analog, the amplitude drops to 1/e when that radial wave has progressed a mere π/2 worth of phase. We
see that happening here for both E and B.
The nature of these plots for moderate to large z = r ωμσ can be obtained from the large z limit of the
Jν functions as noted earlier,
Jν(ej3π/4z) = Mν(z) ejθν(z) . z = r ωμσ (2.3.3)

exp(z/ 2 )
Mν(z) ≈ θν(z) ≈ (z/ 2 ) + (π/2) [ ν - 1/4 ] . (2.3.5)
2πz
Example: For the electric field in (2.2.22) we have this large z limit,
J0(βr) J0(ej3π/4r ωμσ ) M0(r ωμσ ) ejr ωμσ/2

E(r,ω) = E0 J (βa) = E0 = E0 ja ωμσ/2
0 J0(ej3π/4a ωμσ ) M0(a ωμσ ) e
exp(z/ 2 ) 2πza j(r-a) ωμσ/2
≈ E0 e // E0 = E(a,ω)
exp(za 2 ) 2πz
87
a -j(a-r) ωμσ/2
≈ E0 exp[- (a-r) ωμσ/2 ] r e
a -(a-r)/δ -j(a-r)/δ
≈ E(a,ω) r e e δ ≡ 2/(ωμσ) (2.3.19)
which shows both the exponential decay in magnitude and the phase linear in r,
φez(r,ω) ≈ -(a-r)/δ .
Again, (2.3.19) is reminiscent of the 1D skin depth solution shown in (2.1.8),
E(x,ω) = E(0,ω) e-x/δ e-jx/δ . (2.1.8)
2.4 The Surface Impedance Zs(ω) of a Round Wire
A piece of round wire can be thought of as a resistor. Consider Fig. 2.11:
Fig 2.11
Here a piece of finite-σ wire is attached to a pair of σ = ∞ contacts. The total impedance of the wire is
then determined by Z = V/I ohms where V is the voltage applied to the contacts and I is the total current
through the wire.
Alternatively, one could probe the wire along its surface as shown by the two arrows separated by dz.
There is some voltage dV between the probes due to the field Ez(a) ≡ E(a) at the surface of the wire. By
definition, the surface impedance per unit length is
Zs ≡ (- dV/dz) / I = E(a) / I ohms/m . (2.4.1)
Since the fields and currents derived under the assumptions (2.2.4) vary only with r, Zs is independent of
z and we get
∫0 ∫0 ∫0
L L L
V = V(0) - V(L) = - dV = - (dV/dz) dz = I Zs dz = I Zs L = I Z (2.4.2)
so
Z = Zs L . (2.4.3)
88
Our analysis above treats the infinitely long wire, so one must imagine L here as very large compared to
the wire radius a, so that end effects influencing Zs can be ignored.
As one might expect, Zs plays a role in transmission line attenuation.
(a) Expressions for Surface Impedance
To compute the surface impedance of the round wire, we have to make a connection to the total current I
in the wire. This time, our "math loop" is a circular ring lying just below the wire surface as shown in red
in Fig 2.11. Apply (2.2.1) to this loop (with ε = 0) to get:
2πaB(a) = μI . (2.4.4)
Thus, from the Zs definition (2.4.1),
Zs = E(a)/I = E(a) μ/[2πaB(a)] = (μ/2πa) E(a)/B(a) . (2.4.5)
Recalling from (2.2.24) that
J0(βa)
E(a) = - (jω/β) J (βa) B(a) . (2.2.24)
1
we find that
J0(βa)
Zs = Zs(ω) = - (μ/2πa) (jω/β) J (βa)
1
or
-jωμ J0(βa)
Zs(ω) = 2πaβ J (βa) (2.4.6)
1
where β = ( 2 /δ) ej3π/4 and δ ≡ 2/ωμσ as in box (2.2.30). Using these last two facts and the fact that
ej3π/4 is a square root of -j, the leading factor may be written
-jωμ -j2/(σδ2) ej3π/4

2πaβ = 2πa ej3π/4 ( 2 /δ) = 2 πaσδ
giving this alternate form for (2.4.6) in which ω does not explicitly appear,
ej3π/4 J0(βa)
Zs(ω) = . β = ( 2 /δ) ej3π/4 = (j-1)/δ (2.4.7)
2 πaσδ J1(βa)
Below we shall use form (2.4.7) to plot Zs(ω) as a function of skin depth δ.
89
Equation (2.4.7) is, as expected, rather complex. In terms of the Kelvin functions defined in (2.3.1)
we may write (2.4.6) as
-jωμ ber0[ 2(a/δ)] + j bei0[ 2(a/δ)]

Zs(ω) = j3π/4 . (2.4.8)
2πa ( 2/δ) e ber1[ 2(a/δ )] + j bei1[ 2(a/δ)]
According to (2.3.1) one finds, with α ≡ ej3π/4, that
dJν(αz) dJν(αz) d(αz) j3π/4

berν'(z) + j beiν'(z) = dz = d(αz) dz = αJν'(αz) = e Jν'(ej3π/4z) . (2.4.9)
Then since J0'(x) = -J1(x) one gets
ber0'(z) + j bei0'(z) = ej3π/4J0'(ej3π/4z) = - ej3π/4 J1(ej3π/4z)
= - ej3π/4 [ber1(z) + j bei1(z)] . (2.4.10)
Then (2.4.8) may be rewritten as
+jωμ ber0[ 2(a/δ)] + j bei0[ 2(a/δ)]

Zs(ω) = (2.4.11)
2πa( 2/δ) ber0'[ 2(a/δ)] + j bei0'[ 2(a/δ)]
and this form for Zs(ω) appears in Matick p 104 (4-28).
(b) Low frequency limit of Zs(ω)
Small ω => large δ => small β, so we expand both Bessel functions of (2.4.7) for small argument:
[ Spiegel 24.5 and 24.6 ]
J0(x) ≈ 1 - x2/4
J1(x) ≈ (x/2)(1 - x2/8) ⇒ 1/J1(x) ≈ (2/x) (1 + x2/8)
=> J0(x)/J1(x) ≈ (2/x) (1 + x2/8) (1 - x2/4) ≈ (2/x)(1-x2/8) = 2/x - x/4
=> J0(βa)/J1(βa) ≈ 2/(βa) - (βa)/4 .
Then from (2.4.6)
-jωμ J0(βa) -jωμ -jωμ jωμ

Zs(ω) = 2πaβ J (βa) ≈ 2πaβ [2/(βa) - (βa)/4 ] = πa2β2 + 8π
1
-jωμ jωμ
= πa2[-jωμσ] + 8π // β2 from (2.2.3)
or
90
1 μ
Zs(ω) = σπa2 + jω 8π = Rs + jωLs // low frequency limit (2.4.12)
The first term is the uniform DC resistance of the wire per unit length, normally written ρ/A as in (C.1.1)
of Appendix C. The second term is jω times the DC internal inductance Li = (μ/8π) H/m, as derived in
(C.3.10). Recall that this is exactly 50 nH/m if μ=μ0, quite small, and independent of radius.
(c) High frequency limit of Zs(ω)
We first use (2.3.3) to write (2.4.6) as
Zs(ω) = (-jωμ/2πaβ) [ M0( 2 a/δ) / M1( 2 a/δ) ] exp[ j{θ0( 2 a/δ) - θ1( 2 a/δ)}] . (2.4.13)
Since large ω ⇒ small δ ⇒ large arguments for the functions in (2.4.13), we use these large z limits
which can easily be obtained from (2.3.5) using ν = 0 and 1,
1
M0(z) / M1(z) = [ 1 + + O(1/z2) ]
2 2z
1
θ0(z) - θ1(z) = - [ (π/2) + + O(1/z2) ] . (2.4.14)
2 2z
Insertion of these large-argument expressions into (2.4.13) with z = 2 δ/a gives
1 1
Zs(ω) = (-jωμ/2πaβ) (1 + ) exp(-j [π/2 + ])
2 2 2 a/δ 2 2 2 a/δ
= (-jωμ/2πaβ) [ 1 + δ/(4a) ] exp(-j [π/2 + δ/(4a) ])
e-jπ/2ωμ
= [ 1 + δ/(4a) ] e-jπ/2 e-jδ/(4a) . // -j = e-jπ/2
2πa( 2 /δ) ej3π/4
The phasor factors combine to give
e-jπ/2 e-j3π/4 e-jπ/2 = e-jπ[1+3/4] = e-jπ[2-1/4] = e-jπ2 ejπ/4 = ejπ/4 = (1+j)/ 2
and then
ωμ
Zs(ω) = 4π(a/δ) (1+j) [ 1 + δ/(4a) ] e-jδ/(4a) . (2.4.15)
Then if δ << 4a the last two factors are unity and we have
91
ωμ ωμδ2 ωμ[2/ωμσ]
Zs(ω) ≈ 4π(a/δ) (1+j) = 4πaδ (1+j) = 4πaδ (1+j) // using δ2 = 2/ωμσ from (2.2.20)
1
≈ σ(2πa)δ (1+j) δ << 4a . (2.4.16)
Writing this as the sum of a resistive and inductive part,
Zs(ω) = Rs(ω) + jω Ls(ω) (2.4.17)
we find
1
Rs(ω) = σ(2πa)δ = ω Ls(ω) = XLs(ω) . (2.4.18)
The inductance can be written several ways,
1 1 1 μ
Ls(ω) = ωσ(2πa)δ = = 2πa 2σω . (2.4.19)
ωσ(2πa) 2/ωμσ
The resistance has a simple interpretation. It is R = 1/(σA) where area A = (2πa)δ . This is the area of a
thin washer at the periphery of the wire of thickness δ.
The inductance is harder to understand. Its origin can be traced back to (2.4.5) above which shows
that the phase of Zs is equal to the phase of the ratio E(a)/B(a). It is a result of Maxwell's curl equations
that the phase of this ratio as seen in (2.4.16) is π/4 at the surface of a conductor in the skin effect limit.
The inductive reactance is the same as the resistance, but the inductance itself increases as frequency
decreases, behaving as L ~ 1/ ω as shown.
Quantity Rs(ω) in (2.4.18) is called Rhf by Matick p 105 in his (4-35), and (2.4.16) appears as (4-36).
(d) Plots of Zs(ω) versus skin depth δ
From (2.4.7) we found that
ej3π/4 J0(βa)
Zs(ω) = β = ( 2 /δ) ej3π/4 = (j-1)/δ δ ≡ 2/ωμσ . (2.4.7)
2 πaσδ J1(βa)
This is in SI units, but we will use a = [a(μ)10-6] m and δ = [δ(μ) 10-6] m and σ = 5.81 x 107mho/m for
copper, where a(μ) and δ(μ) means the wire radius and skin depth in microns. Then:
Nej3π/4 J0(βa)
Zs(ω) = ohms/m N = 1012 .
2 πa(μ)σδ(μ) J1(βa)
The two limits obtained above were :
92
1 μ 1 1
Zs(ω) ≈ σπa2 + jω 8π = σπa2 + j 4πσδ2 small ω, large δ (2.4.12)
Real part goes to a constant, imaginary part decays as 1/δ2
1 1 1
Zs(ω) ≈ σ(2πa)δ (1+j) = σ(2πa)δ + j σ(2πa)δ large ω, small δ (2.4.16)
Real and Imaginary part are the same and blow up as 1/δ
1 N
In our units above, the low frequency constant limit is RLF ≡ σπa2 = σπa(μ)2 .
Example: For a = 1000μ, the DC resistance is RLF = 1/(σπa2) = .00548 Ω/m. Since a = 1000/25.4 = 39.37
mils, 2a = 78.74 mils. From the following British units graphic, 12 gauge house wire has 2a = 80.808 mils
and has R =.001588 Ω/ft which is .005210 Ω/m )
Here is Maple code which plots the natural log of the real (red) and imaginary (black) part of Zs(ω) as a
function of δ, and also computes the constant limit (gray) just mentioned. The copper wire radius is set to
a=1000 μ.
93
Fig 2.12
Plot of ln (Re Zs) and ln (Im Zs) as function of skin depth δ ≈ 40 to 1000 μ
for a copper wire of radius 1000 μ. Red is real part, black is imaginary.
The general idea is that surface impedance goes up as δ goes down (left end of graph).
Here is the same plot for δ = 100 to 1000 without the natural logs (ln = "log" in Maple) :
Fig 2.13
Plot of surface impedance Zs as function of skin depth δ = 100 to 1000 μ
Either plot type realizes the two limits discussed above.
94
For the limited range δ = 1 to 10 μ the above plot has this appearance ( the red and black curves are
superposed and the gray constant line at .0055Ω/m is indistinguishable from the x axis) :
Fig 2.14
Plot of surface impedance Zs as function of skin depth δ = 1 to 10 μ
The resistance of our near-12-gauge house wire at δ = 1 micron (4.37 GHz) is about 2.7 Ω/m, which is
some 500 times larger than the DC resistance.
2.5 Surface Impedance for a Transmission Line
What is the surface impedance of an arbitrary conductor? As we have seen, a significant amount of work
was needed to obtain the exact result even for the simple geometry of a round wire with a symmetric
current distribution. One can repeat this calculation for other geometries such as a parallel plate
transmission line. The general nature of the result is always the same when δ is much smaller than the
depth of the conductor. That result is this (with comparison),
1
Zs(ω) ≈ σpδ (1 + j) // general case (2.5.1)
1
Zs(ω) ≈ σ(2πa)δ (1+j) δ << 4a . // round wire (2.4.16)
where p is the effective perimeter distance around the cross-sectional surface of a conductor where
significant current flows. For the (coaxial) round wire this was p = 2πa, the circumference. For a parallel
plate line of width w, p = w. Consider these two possible transmission line cross sections:
95
t
b radius a
w
Fig 2.15
Cross section of a parallel plate line Cross section of a twin-lead line
In both cases we assume a frequency ω such that skin depth δ is small compared to the thickness of the
conductors. Although the total cross sectional perimeter of one of the parallel plates is 2w + 2t, it seems
clear that the length of the "active surface" is only w, and one sets p = w in the surface impedance
formula. For the twin lead case with leads assumed far apart (b >> a), both conductors are immersed in
roughly uniform active fields, so the full p = 2πa is applicable just as it is for a coaxial cable.
As the two round wires are brought very close together, certainly there will develop an asymmetry so
that the currents are largest on the parts of the wires closest to the other wire. In this case, one must make
an estimate of the "effective perimeter" p . Here is a picture,
where we have indicated a crude graphical estimate of the "active perimeter" of current flow.
King [TLT p 30 Eq (45)] quotes an approximate surface impedance result for the case of Figure 2.16.
The effective distance is,
p = 2πa 1 - (2a/b)2 . a = wire radius, b = center line separation (2.5.2)
If the gap between the conductors is a/6, a rough estimate for Fig 2.16, then the radical in this formula
becomes .38, so the dark lines shown should cover 38% of the circumference. If the conductors almost
touch, then p becomes extremely small.
King makes the interesting remark (p 30) that "accurate formulas for the internal (i.e., surface)
impedance of one cylindrical conductor in the presence of another with different radius are not available."
From the potential results of Chapter 6 below one can obtain the surface charge density n(θ) in terms of
∂nφ on such cylindrical conductors and thus the charge partial wave moments ηm used in Appendix D.
From these one could find Ez at the conductor surfaces using (D.4.13) and that would seem to determine
Zs .
In general, the high frequency skin current will be large where the E and B fields are large. These
fields are large where the electric field would be large in a capacitor whose "plates" are the two
conductors in cross section. Recall that such a 2D capacitor problem seeks potential φ as a solution of the
96
equation ∇22Dφ(x,y) = 0. In regions where φ is very large, E = -∇φ will also be large. This subject is
addressed in Chapter 5 below.
There is an interesting transmission line "paradigm shift" which occurs as one moves from the low
frequency domain to that of high frequency. For small ω, one thinks of the currents in the two conductors
of a transmission line as being there because they are "applied" by some external agency. The current then
creates a B field around each wire which, since it is changing, creates an E field.
In the high frequency skin-effect limit, it is easier to think of the currents in the conductor surfaces as
being generated by the field activity near the surfaces. The E and B fields just outside the conductors
force themselves slightly into the surface. The resulting E field in the surface layer is then what creates
the current.
Matick's Chapter 4 computes the surface impedance for the round wire and for strip line conductors
(but not the official Stripline).
97
Chapter 3: Transmission Line Preliminaries
3.1 Why is there no free charge inside a conductor or a dielectric?
Imagine that at time t = 0 there were some free charge ρ inside a medium having conductivity σ. What
would this free charge do? Intuition suggests that the individual charges in the little charge cloud would
repel each other and the cloud would spread out until it encountered boundaries. In this Section we put
that intuition on a more technical footing.
As discussed in Appendix E, for a non-neutral medium Ohm's Law takes the form
J = σE - D grad ρ , (3.1.1)
where J is conduction current and the second term on the right, associated with Fick's Law, is non-zero
when the free charge density ρ varies in space. This term is a diffusion term, D is the (electron) diffusion
constant for the medium at hand, and the diffusion current flows from a region of higher charge density to
one of lower density, hence the minus sign. Taking the divergence of the above equation, one finds
div J = σ div E - D ∇2 ρ
or
-∂tρ = σ ρ/ε - D ∇2 ρ // using (1.1.25) for div J, and (1.1.3) with (1.1.6) for div E
or
∂tρ - D ∇2 ρ + (σ/ε)ρ = 0 (3.1.2)
or
∂tρ - a∇2ρ - bρ = 0 where a ≡ D, b ≡ - (σ/ε) . (3.1.3)
Now let ρ' = ρ e-bt be an "adjusted" charge density. Then, since ρ = ρ'ebt, (3.1.3) becomes
[(∂tρ')ebt + ρ'bebt] - a ebt∇2ρ' - bebtρ' = 0

or
∂tρ' - a∇2ρ' = 0 (3.1.4)
which is the standard heat/diffusion equation. If one starts at t = 0 with a point charge ρ' = q δ(r) at the
origin, and if one assumes an infinite isotropic medium, one finds that at time t the charge density is given
by
ρ'(r,t) = q exp(-r2/4at) / (4πat)3/2 . t≥0 (3.1.5)
This is the 3D causal free-space propagator (Green function) for the heat equation. It is the solution of
(∂t - a ∇2) ρ'(r,t) = δ(r)δ(t) ρ'(r,t) = 0 for t<0 . (3.1.6)
See Stakgold (5.133) and (5.136). In n spatial dimensions, the propagator is as in (3.1.5) with 3/2 → n/2
and is derived in the text leading up to Stakgold (5.140).
Consider now (3.1.3) with a source term δ(r)δ(t) added to the right side,
98
(∂t - a∇2 - b)ρ(r,t) = δ(r)δ(t) ρ(r,t) = 0 for t<0 . (3.1.7)
Replacing ρ = ρ'ebt gives
∂tρ' - a∇2ρ' = δ(r)δ(t)e-bt = δ(r)δ(t)
which is the same as (3.1.6). Therefore, the solution of (3.1.7) is
ρ(r,t) = ρ'ebt = q ebtexp(-r2/4at) / (4πat)3/2 ρ(r,0) = q δ(r)

or
ρ(r,t) = q e-(σ/ε)texp(-r2/4Dt) / (4πDt)3/2 ρ(r,0) = q δ(r) . (3.1.8)
The first factor e-(σ/ε)t says that ρ(r,t) decays exponentially in time in a uniform manner over space,
while the second term says that the rough radius of the diffusing charge cloud is given by rt = 4Dt .
The main point of all this math is the following: if there is any free charge in a medium, it goes away
in a timely manner. In our idealized analysis above, it runs off to r = ∞, but in a finite medium it runs off
to the boundary surface of the medium and becomes surface charge.
Let's now look at two extreme cases.
For a good conductor with a low diffusion rate, equation (3.1.2) becomes
∂tρ + (σ/ε)ρ = 0 (3.1.9)
which has the obvious solution ρ(r,t) = ρ(r,0) e-(σ/ε)t which replicates the first factor of (3.1.8). The
charge just "flows away" due to the large σ.
For a dielectric with a very small conductivity, equation (3.1.2) instead becomes
D∇2ρ - ∂tρ = 0 (3.1.10)
which is just the heat equation whose impulse response solution is (3.1.8) with σ = 0, as was shown in
(3.1.5). In this case, the charge at least has time to diffuse out before it goes away!
There are then two time constants involved. The first is for the e-(σ/ε)t factor where τ = ε/σ. We can
estimate this time constant for a conductor and dielectric using ε ≈ ε0, and
copper σ = 5.81 x 107 mho/m

ε0 = 8.8541877 x 10-12 farad/m (from 1.1.28)
τ = ε/σ ≈ 10-11 / 108 ≈ 10-18 sec (3.1.11)
99
so in copper, free charge runs off to the surface in one thousandth of a femtosecond, so we don't worry
about the diffusion time constant.
For a dielectric with σ = 10-15 mho/m we get τ larger by 1023 which is then 105 seconds or about a day.
But in this case, the diffusion mechanism wins out. As an example, for pure silicon, D ≈ 40 cm2/sec =
4x10-3 m2/sec. The time to diffuse from a delta function out to say r = 1 mm is given by
r = 4Dt => t = r2/(4D) = (10-3m)2 / (4*10-3 m2/sec) = (1/4) x 10-3 sec (3.1.12)
so in this case the charge is pretty much gone in a quarter of a millisecond.
We arrive then at this fact:
Fact 1: In a transmission line, charge exists only on the surface of conductors. (3.1.13)
Comment: If one wants an initial charge distribution ρ'(r,0) to be something other than a delta function,
one may use this solution to the heat equation (3.1.4),
∫0
∞
ρ'(r,t) = [2r πat ]-1 r'dr' ρ'(r',0) { exp[-(r-r')2/4at] - exp[-(r+r')2/4at] } (3.1.14)
which appears in Polyanin 1.2.3-10. Setting ρ'(r',0) = q δ(r') = q δ(r')/(4πr'2) then replicates the earlier
result (3.1.5), after using L'Ho^pital's Rule on the integrand. The reason δ(r) = δ(r)/4πr2 is that it makes
∫dV δ(r) = 1 when integrated over a sphere of any radius.
There is an exception to our rule that ρ = 0 inside a conductor. If magnetic fields are present in the right
manner, it is possible to have an extremely small ρ ≠ 0 inside a conductor -- so small that one can ignore it
in any practical application. An example of this situation is presented in Section N.7 which concerns what
we call the Radial Hall Effect in a round wire. The tiny charge density is required to produce a radial Hall
field which offsets conduction electrons' radial Lorentz force. In the regular Hall effect, this Hall field is
generated by surface charges on opposite faces of a sample, but in the round wire case only one surface is
available, which is the surface of the round wire.
3.2 How thick is the surface charge layer on a conductor?
This is a fascinating subject and the interested reader will find an analysis in Appendix E from which we
now quote. Since there is no free charge in the dielectric outside the conductor, and since electrons at
normal temperatures cannot jump off the conductor due to its so-called work function, the surface charge
is actually a layer just below the nominal surface of the conductor, but can essentially be regarded as
being right at the surface. The situation is much different when a conductor is immersed in a solution of
charge-carrying ions or molecules.
It turns out that the charge density decays exponentially away from the surface into the conductor and
drops to 1/e of its surface value at a distance called the Debye length. For copper, this distance is roughly
100
0.6A (Angstroms), which is 6 x 10-11 m. The crystal spacing for copper is 3.6A, and the copper atom
radius is about 1.3A. Thus,
Fact 2: The thickness of the surface charge density on the surface of a conductor is incredibly small. For
copper, it is less than the radius of one copper atom, and the general result applies to any metal. (3.2.1)
Table (2.3.9) shows that the skin depth δ for copper at 100 GHz is about 0.2 microns which is
2x10-7 m ≈ 2000A. Even at this large frequency, the skin depth is still about 4000 times larger than the
thickness of the surface charge layer. At 1 GHz this ratio is 40,000.
Fact 3: Whereas current can exist "deep" under the surface of a conductor, even when the skin effect is
dominant, the surface charge can always be thought of as being exactly at the surface. (3.2.2)
Motions of surface charges can create a 2D current density on the surface, which we might refer to as a
Debye Surface Current (see Section D.9). In a transmission line, even in the extreme skin effect regime,
any such Debye surface current is completely swamped by the skin effect current, and so can be ignored.
In effect, one can regard such a Debye current as a very tiny fraction of the total skin effect current. We
just saw above how the Debye current layer might be 0.6 A thick, while the skin effect current at 100
GHz is 2000A thick.
3.3 How does loss tangent affect dielectric conductivity?
The total current in a dielectric may be written, as noted in (2.2.1),
Jtot = jωεdE + σdE . (3.3.1)
The first term is the displacement current and the second term is the conduction current. At high
frequencies (say 1 GHz), the dielectric constant εd acquires a small imaginary part due to the presence of
absorption resonances in the medium at infrared frequencies. One can write,
εd = ε'd - jε"d = ε'd [ 1 - j (ε"d/ε'd) ] = ε'd [1 - j tanL] , tanL ≡ (ε"d/ε'd) . (3.3.2)
If one plots εd in the complex plane, tanL (called the loss tangent, aka tanδ) is the tangent of the small
angle θL of the triangle whose perpendicular sides have length ε'd and ε"d where ε"d is normally very
small. That is to say, the loss tangent is (minus) the ratio of the small imaginary part to the dominant real
part of εd. tanL is commonly referred to as the dissipation factor. When this expression is inserted into
(3.3.1) the result is,
Jtot = jωεd E + σdE = jωε'd [1 - j tanL]E + σdE
= jωε'd E + ( σd + ωε'd tanL) E
= jωε'd E + σeff E . (3.3.3)
In effect, the dielectric has now acquired an effective conductivity,
101
σeff = ( σd + ωε'd tanL) . (3.3.4)
Because the DC conductivity of a good dielectric is so small, the loss tangent contribution to σeff
dominates even at quite low frequencies. For polyethylene we can use these ballpark numbers,
σd ≈ 10-15 mho/m ε'd ≈ 2.3 tanL ≈ 2 x 10-4 (3.3.5)
taken from the following 2008 studies of Low and High Density Polyethylene done by Eaton and Kmiec,
and for conductivity, Fig 3.1
http://www.sdplastics.com/polyeth.html San Diego Plastics, Inc.
Note: This table claims ρd = 1015 ohm-cm = 1013 ohm-m, but most other sources give larger values. We
assume ρd ~ 1017 ohm-cm = 1015 ohm-m and therefore σd ~ 10-15 mho/m. It does not matter much!
Even at 1 Hz, the loss tangent contribution dominates in (3.3.4). Using the above figure for tanL, here are
a few values of σeff ≈ (εd tanL)ω versus frequency: (f = .0 is really 100 = 1 Hz)
102
// = 2.6 x 10-3
so
σd,eff(ω) ≈ (εd tanL)ω = 4.1 x 10-15 ω = 2.6 x 10-5 f(GHz) . // PE (3.3.6)
Thus, in a transmission line, although the nominal DC dielectric conductance might be 10-15 mho/m, at
operating frequencies the effective σd is much larger, being for example 2.6 x 10-5 mho/m in
polyethylene at 1 GHz. However, even if we replace σd by the much larger σeff in the complex dielectric
constant ξd,
ξd = ε'd + σeff/jω = ε'd + [σd + ωε'd tanL]/jω ≈ ε'd + [ωε'd tanL]/jω
= ε'd [1 + tanL/j] ≈ ε'd ≈ εd (3.3.7)
we still find for a material like polyethylene that
ξd ≈ εd (3.3.8)
at least to 2.5 GHz. It is not hard to write an expression for tanL as a function of frequency since it
involves the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant εd(ω) which has infrared resonances
dependent on the medium. Since RF frequencies up to perhaps 10 GHz are much less than infrared
frequencies, although tanL does increase somewhat with ω in this range, one still has tanL << 1.
Advanced dielectrics typically have tanL in the range .002 or less at 10 GHz.
103
3.4 Size of E fields in conductor and dielectric; conservation of total current at a boundary
We know from (1.1.48) that the following E field condition applies at a boundary between two media,
where n refers to the normal component,
ξ1En1 = ξ2En2 // frequency domain (1.1.48)

or
(ε1 + σ1/jω) En1 = (ε2 + σ2/jω) En2 (3.4.1)
or
En1 ξ2 ε2 + σ2/jω jωε2 + σ2
En2 = ξ1 = ε1 + σ1/jω = jωε1 + σ1 . (3.4.2)
Since most dielectrics have a small imaginary part for ε1, we must interpret σ1 as being the σeff shown in
(3.3.4).
σ1 ≈ ( σ1DC + ωε1 tanL) . (3.4.3)
Let 1 = dielectric = polyethylene and 2 = conductor = copper with these assumed parameters
ε1 = 2.3 ε0 ε 2 = ε0 ε0 = 8.85 x 10-12

σ1DC = 10-15 σ2 = 5.81 x 107 . tanL = .0002 (3.4.4)
Then
En1 jωε2 + σ2 j2πfε2 + σ2
rat ≡ E = jωε + σ = j2πε1 + σ1 (3.4.5)
n2 1 1
Looking at this ratio, for f in the range ( 10 Hz, 1016 Hz) we can approximate the ratio as
En1 σ2 ⎪En1⎪ σ2
rat = E = j2πfε ⎪E ⎪ ≈ 2πfε = .45 x 1018 / f . (3.4.6)
n2 1 ⎪ ⎪
n2 1
Then for the "practical" range (10 Hz, 500 GHz) this ratio varies from ~1017 to 106. We conclude:
Fact 1: At a boundary between a good dielectric and a good conductor, the normal E field is at least 1
million times larger in the dielectric than it is in the conductor for frequencies under 500 GHz. (3.4.7)
104
Fact 2: This large jump in En at the boundary must be supported by a significant surface charge density
ns on the boundary since, according to (1.1.47), ns = ε1En1 - ε2En2 ≈ ε1En1. (3.4.8)
Using Ji = σiEi we can restate the above facts in terms of current densities,
(jωε1 + σ1) En1 = (jωε2 + σ2) En2 . (3.4.1)
(jωε1 + σ1) (Jn1/σ1) = (jωε2 + σ2) (Jn2/σ2) .
[1 + jω(ε1/σ1)] Jn1 = [1 + jω(ε2/σ2)] Jn2 (3.4.9)

jωε1
[1+ ] J = [1 + jω(ε2/σ2)] Jn2 // using (3.4.3)
σ1DC + ωε1tanL n1
j2πfε1
[1+ ] J = [1 + j2πf(ε2/σ2)] Jn2 // ω = 2πf (3.4.10)
σ1DC + 2πfε1 tanL n1
For f >> σ1DC/(2πε1tanL) = .04 Hz, one can ignore σ1DC on the left to get
dielectric conductor
[ 1 + j/tanL] Jn1 = [1 + j2πf (ε2/σ2)] Jn2 f >> σ1DC/(2πε1tanL) (3.4.11)
cond disp cond disp
where we have now labeled the conduction current and displacement current terms. Using the numbers
above one finds,
dielectric conductor
[ 1 + 5000 j ] Jn1 = [ 1 + 10-18 f ] Jn2 (3.4.12)
cond disp cond disp
For f in the range (10 Hz, 1016 Hz) it is clear that in the dielectric, essentially all the current is
displacement current, while in the conductor it is essentially all conduction current. We conclude:
Fact 3: For any practical frequency and good dielectric, the total current in the dielectric is almost all
displacement current, while that in the conductor it is almost all conduction current. (3.4.13)
Imagine now a tiny patch of area (bordered in red) on the surface between a conductor and a dielectric,
Fig 3.2
105
Defining a total current Jtot,n ≡ jωεEn + σEn, as in (2.2.1), we have shown that this total current flows
right through the patch but changes its nature from nearly all conduction current in the conductor to
nearly all displacement current in the dielectric. In the next section, we identify the normal direction with
the local radial direction. Then the total current passing through a tiny square patch like that in Fig 3.2 can
be regarded as being "fed" by the radial conduction current Jr just inside the conductor where Jr = σEr.
This current feeds the surface charge on the boundary which creates a large E field and thus a large
displacement current in the dielectric. We sometimes refer to this mechanism as "charge pumping".
Recall now some results from Section 1.5,
Jn1 = ns(σ1/ε1) (1.5.15)
J2n = (ξ1/ε1) (jω) ns = [ jω + (σ1/ε1) ] ns . (1.5.16)
It follows that (remember that these J's are conduction currents)
J2n = jωns + Jn1 . (3.4.14)
We interpret this to say that during the charge pumping process, some of J2n is used to feed the change in
the surface charge ns (think ∂tns), and the rest flows through into the dielectric as Jn1. This last equation
is just an application of continuity (1.1.35) at the boundary.
106
3.5 The TEM mode fields and currents for an ideal transmission line
In this and the next section, we take a crude qualitative look and the various E,B and J components first
for an ideal transmission line, then for a practical one. An example is repeatedly used in which the
conductor of interest is the round center conductor (radius a = 1 mm) of a properly terminated 75 Ω
coaxial cable driven by 7.5 volts, and thus having a current of 100 mA. The two tables obtained (one
ideal, one practical) mainly serve as an exercise in applying the various concepts reviewed in previous
sections.
By "ideal" we mean that the conductors have near infinite conductivity and the dielectric has zero
conductivity. Consider a cross sectional view of one conductor of a transmission line having arbitrarily
shaped conductors (the shape is uniform in the z direction). For a given point on the surface, define a
cylindrical coordinate system (axis through red dot) so that
r = radial direction = the normal outward from the surface (local x)

θ = azimuthal direction = tangential to the surface in the cross section plane (local y)
z = tangential to the surface along the transmission line (local and global z)
Fig 3.3
The following table shows the qualitative sizes of various components of E,B and J (conduction current)
near the surface of a transmission line conductor. Several regions of space are of interest:
1. Deep in the conductor, under the surface charge layer and under any current layer.
2. In the conductor, just under the surface charge layer, and in the skin current layer.
3. In the dielectric, just outside the super-thin surface charge layer.
The reader is warned that the rest of this section and Section 3.6 make very tedious reading because an
argument must be made for the general size of every single item in the two large Tables. We recommend
that the reader just peruse the two Tables and ignore the Explanation sections unless there is an interest in
some particular table value.
107
First is the Table for the ideal transmission line conductor :
Table 1: E,B,J for an ideal transmission line
Region 1. Deep in the conductor, under the surface charge layer and under any current layer.
Er = 0 Br = 0 Jr = 0
Eθ = 0 Bθ = 0 Jθ = 0
Ez = 0 Bz = 0 Jz = 0
Region 2. In the conductor, just under the surface charge layer, and in the current layer.
Er = very small Br = 0 Jr = small

Eθ = 0 Bθ = large Jθ = 0
Ez = small Bz = small Jz = very large
Region 3. In the dielectric, just outside the super-thin surface charge layer (explanations below):
Er = large Br = 0 Jr = 0
Ez = small Bz = small Jz = 0 (3.5.1)
Explanations of Table Entries
Region 1: (the interior) In the interior we know that E must satisfy the Helmholtz equation (2.1.6a). Due
to the powerful exponential effect of this equation (see (2.1.8) and (2.3.7) for the round wire), we know
that E fields cannot exist deep inside the conductor, and can exist only in the skin depth region. Maxwell
(1.1.2) says curl E = -jωB in the ω domain, so if E = 0 in the interior, so also is B. A "perfect conductor"
has σ = extremely large, and δ = extremely small since δ = 2/μσω . Thus, conductor E and B fields can
only exist very close to the surface. In region 1 of the above table, we show all fields as being 0
underneath the very thin current sheath. Since E = 0 in the perfect conductor interior, it follows from J =
σE that J = 0 there as well (region 1). Thus, all current is confined to the thin current sheath of regions 2.
Everything is quiet in Region 1.
Region 2: (the current sheath) As just noted, all currents flow in a very thin sheath at the surface of
thickness δ. Since the thickness is tiny, the current density Jz there is "very large" as marked in the table.
Imagine a total current I flowing down the conductor, but it is restricted to flow only in the thin sheath.
In this thin layer, there is some radial pumping of charge to the surface to "feed" the surface charge
which is always changing in time, so we indicate a small Jr term. As noted in Section 3.4, this same Jr is
"feeding" the total current flow through the surface, and the surface converts this total current from
conduction current on the inside to displacement current on the outside. An argument will given below for
why Jr is small compared with Jz and we duly mark Jr as "small" in region 2.
Application of Ampere's Law (1.1.37) to the small red loop in Fig 3.3 (Bθ = 0 on the left long edge)
shows that the large Jz sheath current creates a "large" Bθ field in the sheath which grows from 0 on the
sheath's inner boundary to some large value at the conductor surface. Ignoring dramatic μ differences, this
108
Bθ then exists just outside the surface as well according to (1.1.42). We thus mark Bθ as "large" in both
regions 2 and 3. If I = 100 mA and a = 1 mm for a round conductor, then Bθ = μ0I/(2πa) = 20 μT at the
wire surface. (Earth field is 32 μT). This is a large value for Bθ in our current context.
Since E = J/σ, even though Jz is very large, σ is extremely large, so we shall mark Ez as being
"small". And since Jr is already marked "small", we mark Er = Jr/σ as "very small". The small radial
current Jr might create some small Bz, so we throw in a small Bz entry as well (see Region 3 below).
The remaining three entries (Br, Eθ, Jθ) in region 2 we leave at 0, though they might have some very
tiny values.
Region 3: (the dielectric) Since we are now outside the surface charge layer, (1.1.47) says there is a large
radial electric field Er which is supported by this charge density (Gauss's Law), so we mark Er as "large"
in region 3. The tangential electric fields are continuous through the boundary according to (1.1.41).
Therefore, we give Eθ and Ez the same values they had in region 2.
We already observed that Bθ continues being "large" just above the surface.
It was noted above that there is a radial pumping current Jr inside the conductor. This pumps charge
onto the conductor surface, and is converted to displacement current in the dielectric, as discussed above
in Section 3.4 (think of a simple parallel plate capacitor where this also happens). This displacement
current and Jr are relatively small currents and they create a small Bz field as we now crudely
demonstrate. Consider a very tall and thin (small w) red math loop whose one edge lies parallel to the z
direction between the conductors and whose top edge is very distant.
Fig 3.4
Consider Ampere's law (1.1.37) relative to this loop and with respect to the displacement current flowing
through the loop between the conductors,
∫
{ H • ds = ∫S ∂tD • dS . (1.1.37)
Integration of the small displacement current ∂tD passing through the loop gives some small non-zero
value for the area integral on the right. Meanwhile, the line integral on the left has cancelling
contributions from the vertical loop sides (w is very small), while the loop top is far away so contributes
nothing. The result is some small Hz and hence small Bz in the region between the conductors. Since Bz
is a tangential field, it will exist also just inside the conductor surface, as indicated by (1.1.42). Both these
Bz fields are marked "small" in the table for regions 2 and 3. As a crude estimate, a loop of width w = λ/2
109
would capture a full I worth of displacement current, so our thin loop captures ~ I w/(λ/2). If I ~ 100 mA
and λ ≈ 1 m, then Ampere's law above says (Bz/μ0)w = I w/(λ/2) so Bz ≈ μ0 I(λ/2) = 4π x 10-7(0.1)(1/2) ≈
6.3 x 10-8 = .06 μT, which is small compared to our 20μT estimate for Bθ.
Since the ideal dielectric has zero conductivity, the conduction current components are all set to zero.
In the dielectric, if we ignore the small Ez and Bz field components relative to the large Er and Bθ,
we find that (see Fig 3.3) just outside the surface, the E and B fields are perpendicular and are both
transverse to the z direction. Hence this is a TEM (Transverse Electric and Magnetic) mode of the
transmission line. Their cross product is the Poynting vector (1/μd) E x B which is in the +z direction
coming at the viewer in Fig 3.3. This is the direction of power flow along the transmission line. (Jackson
p 259, Eq. 6.109: S = E x H in SI units) .
The remaining two entries (Br, Eθ) in the region 3 we leave at 0, though they might have some very
tiny values.
3.6 The TEM mode fields and currents for a practical transmission line
We now "turn on" the imperfections of the transmission line. As soon as σ in the conductor becomes large
but finite, the infinitely thin current sheath spreads out over some moderate skin depth δ. At very low
frequencies, the current Jz is spread across the entire conductor and there is no Region 1.
Fig 3.3
At higher ω there still is a Region 1, but we shall ignore it from now on. We are still interested in region 2
which is just below the surface charge layer. Recall from Section 3.2 that the surface charge layer remains
nearly infinitely thin even for a non-perfect conductor.
So here is the new table. The superscripts refer to descriptive sections below. Other values are just
carried from the previous table. In order to make ballpark magnitude estimates, we again assume that the
transmission line is 75 ohms, is properly terminated, and is driven by a voltage of amplitude 7.5 volts, so
the current is 100 mA.
110
Table 2: E,B,J for a practical transmission line
Region 2. In the conductor, just under the surface charge layer, and in the current layer.
Er = very small [c] Br = 0 Jr = small

Ez = small [a] Bz = small Jz = large [a]
Region 3. In the dielectric, just outside the super-thin surface charge layer.
Er = large [a] Br = 0 Jr = very small [b]

Ez = small [a] Bz = small Jz = very small [b] (3.6.1)
Explanations of Table Entries
[a] Ez and Jz in the conductor; Ez and Er outside the conductor
Inside the conductor, a non-zero Ez exists due to the current flow in the z direction and the finite
conductivity of the conductor. As an estimate for a round wire not too close to the other conductor,
assume that the wire has diameter 1 mm, and is operating at 1 GHz with a skin depth δ = 2 microns as in
(2.3.9). The cross sectional area for current flow is then about 2πrδ = 4π x 10-9 m2. If 100 mA flows
through this wire, then Jz = 0.1/(2πrδ) = 8 x 106 amps/m2, and this Jz is marked "large" for region 2 in the
above table. Then Ez = Jz/σ = 8 x 106 / 5.81 x 107 = 0.14 volts/meter. This Ez is marked "small" in the
region 2 part of the above table. At lower frequencies where skin depth is larger, Ez is less.
Since Ez is a tangential (parallel to conductor surface) E field, according to (1.1.41) it has the same
value in region 3, so that is also marked "small" above.
In contrast, if the conductor separation is 0.5 cm, and if we crudely assume the E field is constant
between the conductors, then Er between the conductors is 7.5 volts/ 5 x 10-3 m = 1500 volts/m. This is
marked "large" in region 3 above. So in region 3 just outside the conductor,
Er ~ 1500 V/m Ez ~ 0.14 V/m ratio (Ez/ Er) ≤ 10-4 (3.6.2)
[b] Jr, Ez and Jz in the dielectric
As shown in (3.3.4), the effective conductivity in the dielectric is given by
σeff = ( σd + ωε'd tanL) . (3.3.4)
For polyethylene, σd ~ 10-15 and can be ignored, while ε'd ≈ 2.3 ε0 and tanL ≈ 2x10-4 as in (3.3.5). For a
frequency of 1 GHZ, we then find
σeff ≈ ωε'd tanL ≈ 2π 109 * [2.3 * 8.85 x 10-12] * 2 x 10-4 ≈ 2.6 x 10-5 mho/m . (3.6.3)
111
This is 12 orders of magnitude smaller than the σ of copper ~ 107, but it is 10 orders of magnitude larger
than the DC conductivity of the dielectric ~ 10-15.
It was shown in (3.4.12) that the conduction current in any good dielectric is much smaller than the
displacement current by a factor of 1/tanL. Thus, since the dielectric's total radial dielectric current equals
Jr in region 2, and since that is marked small, we mark Jr in the dielectric as "very small".
Finally, we already noted a small Ez just outside the conductor, and since the dielectric has some very
small conductivity (σeff), there will be some Jz in region 3 which is also "very small".
[c] Er and Jr inside the conductor
We have already estimated that Er inside the conductor surface is less than 10-6 what it is outside the
surface, see (3.4.7) Fact 1. Thus, if Er outside is 1500 volts/m as in our section (a) example, Er inside is
less than 1.5 mV/m at 500 GHz, and is proportionally less than this at lower frequencies, so Er in region 2
is marked "very small", just as in the previous Table. In the example above we found Ez ≈ .14 V/m inside
the conductor. Thus we have Er << Ez inside the conductor which in turn means Jr << Jz . Below we
shall provide more support for the idea that Jr << Jz .
3.7 The general shape of fields, charges, and currents on a transmission line
(a) Eθ at a conductor surface vanishes
We start by borrowing Fig B.6 from Appendix B (similar to Fig 3.3 above),
Fig B.6
The figure shows a transmission line conductor of some arbitrary (but reasonably smooth) cross sectional
shape. At the point of interest s we construct a cylindrical coordinate system as shown, such that the
coordinates (r,θ,z) are appropriate for point s and its immediate neighborhood. Basically we approximate
the piece of conductor surface near s as if it were the surface of a round wire of some radius r. At this
point s, then, we can talk about fields Eθ, Er, Bθ, and Br.
For a transmission line we shall use Et to refer to the transverse components of an electric field, as
opposed to the longitudinal component Ez. In Cartesian coordinates Et = (Ex,Ey) and in the local
cylindrical coordinates just defined at a surface point s, Et = (Er,Eθ). The important point is that Eθ is our
112
notation for the component of Et which at some surface point is tangent to the surface, while Er is normal
to the surface ( we will also call this En below).
A fundamental assumption of our transmission line theory is that the cross-section tangential electric field
at a conductor surface vanishes, which is to say, Eθ as defined above vanishes at all points on the surface.
This assumption is examined in Appendix D.8 and here we accept it as fact. The basic idea is that surface
charge is free to move along the conductor surface in a z=constant plane to neutralize any Eθ that might
develop, and this mechanism of maintaining Eθ = 0 on the surface works from DC up to perhaps 1000
GHz. So:
Fact 0: Eθ = 0 at the surface of a transmission line conductor. (3.7.0)
This assumption, stated in partial waves, appears in (D.2.27) and is one of two boundary conditions used
in Appendix D to determine the internal fields of a round wire, the other boundary condition being
(D.2.26). One can consider Fact 0 to be part of the "electro-quasi-static" model of a transmission line.
(b) The transverse vector potential components are small
Fact 1: In the King gauge, for a transmission line operating in the transmission line limit, the transverse
vector potential is very small: |At| < 10-4 |Az| for f = 0 to 500 GHz. (3.7.1)
This is demonstrated in Appendix M, see (M.16). The basic idea is that in a transmission line the major
current is in the z direction, and A ~ J according to the Helmholtz integral. Then since |Jt| << |Jz|, one
finds that |At| << |Az| .
(c) The scalar potential φ on a conductor surface
By "conductor surface" we mean the boundary of a cross-sectional slice at z = constant through a

transmission line conductor. In electrostatics one has E = - ∇φ and then Et = ∇tφ for the transverse
electric field. In the neighborhood of a surface point s we write this as Eθ = (1/r)∂θφ and Er = ∂rφ. Since
Fact 0 says Eθ = 0 at any s on the surface, we conclude that φ = constant all the way around the conductor
boundary. This is fine for ω = 0, but for ω > 0 we have from (1.3.1) that E = -∇φ - jωA and so
Et = -∇tφ - jωAt (3.7.2)
and now it is no longer possible to immediately claim Eθ = 0 => φ = constant on the boundary. We shall
now show that, under suitable conditions, the last term -jωAt is much smaller (in magnitude) than the
first term -∇tφ, and therefore we have Et ≈ -∇tφ and then φ ≈ constant by our argument above.
An arm-waving argument is to say that Fact 1 implies that the transverse potential At can be neglected in
a transmission line and therefore Et ≈ -∇tφ. But |At| << |Az| does not prove |ωAt| << |∇tφ | so we shall
try to do better with a more substantial argument.
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First, we divide up the frequency domain (relative to some transmission line geometry) into a set of
regimes. We state these for a round wire of radius a, but for a general conductor one can replace a with
some typical transverse dimension of the conductor :
δ > a/10 δ < a/10 δ < a/1000

low frequency strong skin effect extreme skin effect (3.7.3)
Here δ ≡ 2/(ωμσ) is the skin depth of (2.1.8) or (2.2.20). Obviously the classification is arbitrary, we
might have taken δ = a/5 as the strong skin effect boundary. We shall find that some facts which are
approximately valid for the strong skin effect regime are almost exactly valid in the extreme skin effect
regime.
Here then is what we want to show:
Fact 2: φ ≈ constant on a conductor boundary (z = constant) in the strong or extreme skin effect regimes
within the Transmission Line Limit. (3.7.4)
See Comments below the proof regarding the significance of Fact 2.
Our proof proceeds in a set of Steps (the Transmission Line Limit is defined in Step 4). As a guide, here
is a little graphic showing how this proof works:
Step 1. In the strong or extreme skin depth regime, Az ≈ (1/vd) φ . (3.7.5)
As usual, the subscript "d" refers to a value in the dielectric between conductors, and here vd = 1/ μdεd
is the speed of light in the dielectric and also the phase velocity of a wave going down our low-loss
transmission line. Similarly, βd = (ω/vd) is the wave's wavenumber in the dielectric. Using ∂z → -jβd as in
(D.1.16) and our usual ∂t → jω we find from (1.3.1) that
Ez = -∂zφ - jωAz = jβdφ - jωAz = j(ω/vd)φ - jωAz = jω [ φ/vd - Az ] . βd = (ω/vd)
=> φ/vd - Az = Ez/(jω) (3.7.6)
Inside a good conductor Ez is small to begin with, and in the limit δ → 0 (ω→∞) the right side of (3.7.6)
is small due to this fact and due to the 1/ω factor. Therefore,
Az ≈ φ/vd small or extreme skin effect (3.7.7)
Sometimes a different argument is given to obtain (3.7.7). In the King gauge we know from (1.5.5) that in
the dielectric,
114
div A = -j (βd2/ω)φ (1.5.5)

or
(∂xAx+∂yAy) + ∂zAz = -j (βd2/ω)φ
or
(∂xAx+∂yAy) - jβdAz = -j (βd2/ω)φ . (3.7.8)
Without a proof, we extend the usual arm-waving argument that At components can be neglected to say
that transverse derivatives of At can also be neglected so (∂xAx+∂yAy) ≈ 0, and then we have
- jβdAz ≈ -j (βd2/ω)φ
or
Az ≈ (βd/ω)φ = φ/vd
which replicates the conclusion (3.7.7) seemingly without the skin effect restriction. A more careful
analysis must show that (∂xAx+∂yAy) can only be so neglected in the strong or extreme skin effect limits.
This issue reappears in (M.17) and Section 7.5.
Step 2. Claims that |∇tφ| ≈ (1/D)|φ| where D is a characteristic transverse dimension of the transmission
line.
We might argue this on dimensional grounds alone, but consider
Δφ V
|∂xφ| ≈ Δx ≈ D ≈ (1/D) |φ| . (3.7.9)
This is a very crude use of the ≈ sign, there could be a factor of 10 or 1/10 on either side, but when
combined with << in Step 4 below we still obtain a reasonable conclusion. Here V is the potential
difference between the two transmission line conductors, and D is their "separation". Obviously |∂xφ| is
not the exact constant V/D at every point in space between the conductors, this is meant only as a ballpark
estimate of the size of |∂xφ| in some average sense.
Step 3. Claims that |ωAx| << 2π |φ| (1/λ) where λ = traveling wave's wavelength.
From Fact 1 we have,
|Ax| << |Az| . (3.7.10)
With Step 1 (3.7.7) this says
|Ax| << |φ| /vd = |φ| (βd/ω)

or
|ωAx| << (2π/λ) |φ| βd = 2π/λ (3.7.11)
where λ is the wavelength of our transmission line wave.
115
Step 4. Claims that |ωAx| << |∂xφ|
In Chapter 4 we shall introduce the notion of the Transmission Line Limit which is a requirement that on
a transmission line, the wavelength λ must be much larger than any transverse dimension D of the line,
λ >> D (3.7.12)
or
(1/λ) << (1/D)
or
2π |φ| (1/λ) << 2π |φ| (1/D) . (3.7.13)
Combining this with Step 3 (3.7.11) we find
|ωAx| << (2π/λ) |φ| << 2π |φ| (1/D)

or
|ωAx| << 2π |φ| (1/D) .
Bringing in the ballpark estimate Step 2 (3.7.9) that |∂xφ| ≈ (1/D) |φ| we then have
|ωAx| << |∂xφ|
where we just ignore the 2π factor relative to our extreme << situation. Doing this also for y, we have
|ωAt| << |∇tφ| . (3.7.14)
Looking then at (3.7.2) one finds
Et = -∇tφ - jωAt ≈ -∇tφ
and this concludes our longwinded explanation of why φ ≈ constant on a transmission line conductor's
cross section surface. We had to assume the Transmission Line Limit ( λ >> D) and we had to assume the
strong or extreme skin effect regime to show φ ≈ constant.
Comments:
1. Intuitive proof: We need high ω to get small δ. Currents in the thin δ surface sheath are in the z
direction and there is "no room" for transverse currents in the sheath so Jt ≈ 0 and then At ≈ 0 so ωAt ≈
0 so Et ≈ -∇tφ and then finally Eθ = 0 => φ ≈ constant.
2. The fact that φ ≈ constant on each conductor surface embodies the electro-quasi-static transmission
line theory. It will allow us to treat the transmission line as a "capacitor problem" in Chapter 5, as if we
were doing electrostatics, even though we are at high ω and in the skin depth regime.
116
3. We know that φ = constant at ω = 0, but in order to prove that φ = constant at ω > 0 we had to make the
extra assumptions stated above. We have not provided any proof that φ = constant for the "low
frequency" range of (3.7.3), except for ω = 0. It seems likely that φ = constant is correct for very low
frequencies close to ω = 0 and below some ω1, and probably φ ≈ constant is reasonable for the rest of the
low frequency range (but we have not proved this). Here then is the situation:
very low ω low ω strong skin effect extreme skin effect

0 ≤ ω < ω1 δ1 > δ > a/10 δ < a/10 δ < a/1000
φ = constant φ ≈ constant ? φ ≈ constant φ = constant (3.7.15)
(d) B and Az on a conductor surface
Fact 1 (3.7.1) says that |Ax,y| << Az for a transmission line, and so we just set Ax = Ay ≈ 0. In this case
we find that
x (∂yAz - ∂zAy) + ^
B = curl A = ^ y (∂zAx - ∂xAz) + ^
z (∂xAy - ∂yAx)
≈ ^
x (∂yAz) + ^
y (- ∂xAz) = Bt (3.7.16)
which says B ≈ Bt is mainly in the transverse direction. In the extreme skin effect regime, we know that
inside the conductor B decays to 0 quickly over distance δ (see Fig 2.9 for an isolated round wire). This is
akin to the Meissner Effect where magnetic fields are excluded from the interior of a superconductor. In
the extreme skin effect limit δ → 0, just below the thin surface current sheath we then have Bn = 0 (since
B = 0), where Bn is the component of Bt normal to the surface. According to box (1.1.51) we know that
Bn is continuous through the boundary, so we must have Bn = 0 just outside the surface as well. This is an
application of
div B = 0 ⇔ ∫S B • dS = 0 S is any closed surface (1.1.34)
for a thin red Gaussian box shown here end-on on the left:
On the left we imagine δ → 0 so the box can be made extremely thin so the left and right sides of the box
then make no contribution to the flux. The front and back sides have no flux since Bz ≈ 0 and because the
sides are thin. Thus Bn vanishes on the top face of the box since it vanishes on the bottom face. For finite
δ on the right, this same thin box does not deliver this result. A more detailed argument would show that
Bn = 0 to the extent that skin depth δ << r where r is the local radius of curvature of the surface. For a
"perfect conductor" we have δ = 0 and Bn = 0 exactly. We summarize our conclusions:
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Fact 3: (a) In general, the B field at a transmission line conductor surface has a negligible z component
and so B ≈ Bt; (b) In the extreme skin effect regime, B ≈ Bt has no normal component Bn at the
conductor surface. This is approximately true in the strong skin effect regime. (3.7.17)
Corollary: In the plane of a transmission line conductor cross section, and in the extreme skin effect
regime, the magnetic field line pattern in the dielectric is such that just above the surface of each
conductor there is a closed tangential B field line enclosing the conductor which is almost exactly parallel
to the surface at every point. This fact is approximately true for the strong skin depth regime. (3.7.18)
This is illustrated in the following figure where B field lines are shown in red:
Fig 3.5
Fact 4: In a situation where Ax,y can be neglected relative to Az we have seen that the B field lines are
constrained to cross sectional planes. For any such planar set of B field lines, each B field line is an
equipotential contour for Az. (3.7.19)
Proof: Consider a small rectangular "math loop" into the plane of paper (depth dz) as shown in the above
Figure. The black segment shows this loop edge on. Since this loop is parallel to a B field line, the
magnetic flux through the loop is zero. According to (1.1.39) we know that
curl A = B ⇔ ∫
{ C A • ds = ∫S B • dS . (1.1.39)
The line integral of A around our math loop must therefore vanish. But since A has only the component
Az, the line integral has contributions only from the two sides of the loop (both of which are
perpendicular to paper). Thus ∫

{ C A • ds = [ Az(1) - Az(2) ] dz = 0 so Az(1) = Az(2). By this argument,
all points on the red B field line shown have the same value of Az and thus that red B field line is an
equipotential contour for Az. But this applies to any of the red B field lines, so in general, each such B
field line is an equipotential for Az. This is reminiscent of the fact that E field lines are equipotentials for
φ in electrostatics.
Fact 5: On each conductor boundary, Az ≈ constant in the extreme or strong skin effect regimes.(3.7.20)
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From (3.7.18) we know that in the extreme skin depth regime, the innermost B field line almost exactly
skirts the conductor perimeter. From (3.7.19) we know that any B field line is an equipotential contour.
Thus, the cross section perimeter itself is very close to an equipotential contour of the function Az(x,y,z).
In the strong skin effect regime this constancy of Az on the boundary is only approximately true.
Comment: In Fact 2 we argued that φ ≈ constant on a conductor perimeter in the extreme skin effect
regime. We also argued in Step 1 that Az ≈ (1/vd)φ everywhere inside the conductor and therefore also at
the conductor surface. Thus, Fact 2 that φ ≈ constant on the perimeter is consistent with Fact 5 that Az ≈
constant on the perimeter, and these two constants are related by Az ≈ (1/vd) φ. That is,
Az( any point on perimeter) ≈ (1/vd) φ(any point on perimeter) //extreme δ (3.7.21)
and for the strong δ regime, this is approximately true.
A Counter Example and Comments on the Low Frequency Regime
We have argued above that in the strong/extreme skin effect regime, the perimeter of a transmission line
conductor's cross section will align with a B field line and will have a constant value of Az. This is in
general not true for low frequencies. In particular, it is not true at ω = 0. As an example of this fact, we
consider a pair of parallel round wires carrying current I and -I . Since the current density in the wires is
uniform, it is an easy matter to compute B for each conductor and superpose to get the total B field due to
both conductors. Here is a plot of the resulting magnetic field lines (details in Appendix O),
Fig 3.6a
Notice that the red magnetic field lines, being loci of constant Az, do not align with the black conductor
surfaces. One can conclude that the conductor surfaces are not surfaces of constant Az in this very low
frequency example (ω= 0).
Now, having said this, we can make some very approximate low frequency remarks. In Chapter 5 we
will arrive at following equations involving φ and Az and their transverse partners φt and Azt :
119
1
φ(x,y,z) = 4πε q(z) φt(x,y) (5.1.1)
μ
Az(x,y,z) = 4π i(z) Azt(x,y) . (5.2.1)
[ ∇t2 + (βd2-k2)] φt(x,y) = 0 φt(C1) = K1 φt(C2) = K2 K1- K2 = K (5.3.10)

[ ∇t2 + (βd2-k2)] Azt(x,y) = 0 Azt(C1) = W1 Azt(C2) = W2 W1- W2 = K . (5.3.11)
These two boundary value problems assume the extreme skin effect regime so that φt and Azt are
constants on both black circles. For the δ→0 skin depth limit, we expect then to have Azt(x,y) = φt(x,y).
Using με = 1/vd2 and
i(z) = q(z) vd, (4.11.17)
if one has Azt(x,y) = φt(x,y), then from the ratio of the first two equations above one also has Az(x,y,z) =
(1/vd) φ(x,y,z) which is the Step 1 fact (3.7.5) above (stated there for finite δ).
The question then is this: to what extent is it true that Az ≈ (1/vd) φ in the low-frequency regime
shown in (3.7.3), all the way down to ω = 0 ? Looking at Fig 3.6a, we can certainly find two red loci
which are somewhat similar to our black conductor boundaries, missing perhaps by 30%. These two red
closed curves would then define a boundary value problem with a solution Azt that is roughly on the
same scale as the solution Azt at high frequency. So our answer is this:
Az ~ (1/vd) φ in the low frequency regime (3.7.5)low ω
where ~ means both sides have the same general scale. Here is another version of Fig 3.6a in which the
Az values of some of the red curves are shown,
Fig 3.6b
As an alternate to the above language, we could say that Az is ballpark constant on the right black circle,
in that Az only varies from -0.4 to -1.25 (and not, say, from -.001 and -1000).
120
How Fig 3.6b was made. Az(x,y) for one cylinder at DC is computed in Appendix B with result (B.7.7).
We can superpose that Az with a similar Az for the other cylinder giving this result,
μI
Az(x,y) = 2π * { - lnr1 θ(r1>a1) + [ (1-r12/a12)/2 - lna1 ] θ(r1<a1)
+ lnr2 θ(r2>a2) - [ (1-r22/a22)/2 - lna2 ] θ(r2<a2) } .
The drawing below shows the ri and ai with origin at the center of the left cylinder :
Setting a1 = a2 = 0.5 and b = 1.25, and ignoring the overall constant μI/2π, the plot was made using
Maple's implicitplot call which is an x-y scanner producing a crude but acceptable plot:
(e) Observations about the E and B field lines in a transmission line dielectric
Fact 6: In a cross sectional sketch of a transmission line, the E field lines land on the conductors at right
angles to the conductor surface. This is exactly true for the TEM mode, and applies to all points on the
conductor surfaces. (3.7.22)
Proof: This follows from Fact 1 (3.7.0) which says Eθ = 0 at the conductor surface.
Fact 7: In a longitudinal sketch of a transmission line, the E field lines still land on the conductors at very
close to right angles. (3.7.23)
Proof: Although Eθ = 0 at the conductor surface, Ez is not zero, though it is very small. We know that Ez
exists inside the conductor to support Jz = σEz , and we know by (1.1.41) that Ez is continuous through
the boundary, so the longitudinal E field landing angle will not quite be π/2. The deviation from π/2 is less
than 10-4 radians according to (3.6.2), and the deviation is in the direction of current flow at each
conductor. This causes a very slightly warping of the otherwise planar cross-sectional field line grid.
121
Fact 8: Apart from an overall scale factor, the cross-sectional field shape of a TEM wave on a
transmission line is independent of position z along the transmission line, and is independent of time t.
The shape is also independent of ω. (3.7.24)
Proof: As we shall see below, the TEM form of any field or current is F(x,y,z,t) = ej[ωt-kz+φF(ω)]F(x,y)
where F(x,y) is real and all t and z dependence is in the exponential. We can take the physical field to be
the real part as discussed in Section 1.6 so Fphysical(x,y,z,t) = cos[ωt-kz+φF(ω)] F(x,y). Thus, the cross
sectional shape of the field is determined by F(x,y) and is the same at all values of z apart from an overall
scale factor cos[ωt-kz+φF(ω)]. This scale factor varies between +1 and -1 as one moves down the line in z
at some fixed t, or as one observes at some fixed z as time varies. Later we will see that this shape F(x,y)
can be found by solving a certain 2D Helmholtz equation, and we find that the shape is determined
entirely by the shape of the boundaries of the conductors. Different vector fields (e.g., J and E) might
have different ω-dependent phases in this wave motion which we indicate by φF(ω) for F(x,y,z,t).
Fact 9: In a cross sectional sketch of a transmission line operating in the extreme skin effect regime, the E
and B field lines are very nearly perpendicular at every point in the dielectric. In the strong skin effect
regime, the fields are approximately perpendicular. (3.7.25)
Proof: From Maxwell's curl E equation (1.1.2) in the ω domain we have
curl E = - jωB . (1.1.2)
Then
B • E = (-jω)-1 curl E • E
= (-jω)-1 [ ( ∂xEy - ∂yEx)Ez + ( ∂yEz - ∂zEy)Ex + ( ∂zEx - ∂xEz)Ey ] . (3.7.26)
In the extreme skin effect regime, for a given ω we think of conductivity σ being very large, and so the
conductor's Ez is very small. Since Ez is continuous at the conductor boundary, Ez is also very small in
the dielectric. In contrast, due to the surface charge on the conductors, the transverse fields Ex and Ey are
very large in the dielectric. If we neglect Ez and its derivatives in the above expression we find that
B • E ≈ (-jω)-1 [ (- ∂zEy)Ex + ( ∂zEx)Ey ]
≈ (-jω)-1 [Ey2 ∂z(Ex/Ey)] . (3.7.27)
However, we argued in Fact 8 that the shape of fields does not vary with z. Thus, the ratio of two
components like Ex/Ey cannot vary with z, so ∂z(Ex/Ey) = 0. Alternatively, we make the usual
replacement ∂z → -jk (see Fact 8 proof) to get
B • E ≈ (-jω)-1 [ (- ∂zEy)Ex + ( ∂zEx)Ey ] = (-jω)-1 [ (jkEy)Ex + ( -jkEx)Ey ]
= (-jω)-1 )(jk) [ (Ey)Ex + ( -Ex)Ey ] = 0 . (3.7.28)
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We have already shown that at the conductor surfaces, E is normal to the surface and in the extreme skin
effect regime B is nearly tangent to the surface, so we certainly have B • E ≈ 0 at the conductor surfaces.
(f) Drawings of the fields
We are now in a position to draw some sketches of fields on a transmission line. Let's start with the
transverse or cross section picture:
Fig 3.7
Fig 3.7: Cross section view
Although this figure is drawn for two round conductors, its general features apply to any conductors. The
figure is a snapshot at one instant in time and at some value of z. The • and ⊗ indicate current flow
direction in the conductors. Positive charge exists on the surface of the left conductor, and is strongest on
the face of that conductor which is closest to the other conductor. Negative surface charge lies on the right
conductor. The electric fields are as shown and are strongest in the region between the conductors. The
magnetic field directions derive from the right hand rule relative to the current in each conductor. The
lines of E and B always intersect at right angles as noted in (3.7.25).
The magnitude of the E field is determined by the potential difference between the conductors and the
geometry. It is independent of frequency. Similarly, the magnitude of the B field is determined by the size
of the current in either conductor and is also independent of frequency.
Consider a 75 Ω transmission line that is properly terminated and is driven by a 7.5 volt amplitude
sine wave. Regardless of frequency ω (but ω large enough so Z0 = 75Ω, see (4.12.18)) , the magnitude of
the current in this transmission line is 100 mA, and the magnitude of the potential difference is 7.5 volts.
Of course both these quantities have sinusoidal time dependence. At some instant in time, the fields and
currents are as in Fig 3.7.
We are always talking a lossless or very low-loss transmission line here. If the conductor resistance
and/or dielectric conductivity are significant, then yes, both I and V decrease as z increases down the line.
This decrease is realized by the k in ej(ωt-kz) having a small negative imaginary part (Appendix Q).
We have just argued then that not much happens in the transverse directions x and y as frequency
sweeps up from strong skin effect to extreme skin effect. The rate at which the pattern oscillates back and
forth increases, but the field pattern shape does not change. This may seem contradictory. In general, one
is used to ω affecting things due to equations like
123
curl E = -jωB Maxwell curl E equation (1.1.2)
The resolution is that all the spatial variation happens in the longitudinal direction. Here then is a top
view of the same transmission line:
Fig 3.8: Top view of transmission line Fig 3.8
The red E arrows are all of unit length and serve to mark the direction and density of electric field lines
lying in the plane containing the center lines of the conductors. The blue B arrows are seen end-on and
indicate the same for the magnetic field. On the left they come out of the plane of paper and on the right
they go into it. Later we shall learn about the "transmission line limit" in which the wavelength λ of the
wave propagating down a transmission line is assumed to be much larger than all transverse dimensions
of the line. The reader should understand the above picture as being in that limit, but one would have to
stretch the picture at least 10X horizontally to make it be reasonable. At all places ExB points to the right,
so we have a wave propagating to the right (+z).
Now apply the Maxwell curl equations using the two loops shown. Loop 1 is positioned to pick up
magnetic flux, so we use (1.1.36) which in the frequency domain says
curl E = -jωB ⇔ ∫
{ E • ds = -jω[∫S B • dS] (3.7.29)
Notice the ω sitting on the right side. We argued in the last section that the amplitude of the B field does
not change as ω changes. Thus, the right side of (3.7.29) is proportional to ω. As ω increases, the line
integral of the E field around loop 1 must increase. Thus, the rate of change of E must increase in the z
direction! In other words, as ω increases, the whole pattern of Fig 2 contracts in the z direction, which
causes all z derivatives to increase, thus increasing ∫
{ E•ds for the same fixed loop 1. Remember that the
124
strength of the E field is indicated in Fig 2 by the density of the red arrows, not by the length of the red
arrows.
A similar argument applies to loop 2. This loop appears end-on in Fig 3.8. It is set up to sense the
electric field flux. The appropriate curl equation is (1.1.38) which says
curl B = μdεdjωE + μJc ⇔ ∫

{ B • ds = μd ∫S [εdjωE + Jc] • dS
≈ jωμdεd ∫E•dS . (3.7.30)
Since we are now in the dielectric, we have ignored the small conduction current, and have kept the
dominant displacement current, see (3.4.12). Again there is a factor of ω on the right side, arising from a
time derivative. As ω increases, the line integral of the B field must increase. Thus, the B field must
change faster in the z direction. As ω increases, the curl equation (3.7.30) is satisfied by having the entire
pattern contract in the z dimension.
If the frequency ω doubles, the wavelength λ goes to half. This of course is no surprise, since ω and λ
are related by the speed of light νd in the dielectric,
λ = vd/f = 2πvd/ω . (3.7.31)
The main point of the above discussion is to show how the Maxwell curl equations force the field
pattern to contract in the z direction as ω increases. In the transverse direction, the field pattern shape
stays constant.
(g) More on the field and current structure
Here we explore in more detail the general distribution of fields and currents in a transmission line. The
goal is to establish the phase relationships among the electromagnetic fields and various currents. Once
this is done, it is possible to make an estimate of the ratio Jr/Jz and that is done in the following section.
Consider the following more elaborate version of Figure 3.8 :
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Tilted overhead view of a transmission line Fig 3.9
The picture is quite complicated and deserves clarifying comments:
(1) Unlike in Fig 3.8, the E and B arrows indicate the E and B vectors, and are not just field direction and
field line density indicators.
(2) The E and B field vectors are shown along some line which lies in the plane of the center lines of the
two conductors and which points in the ^
z direction, as do those center lines.
(3) The blue B field arrows lie in the blue plane which is meant to be perpendicular to the plane of the
conductor center lines, which is the plane of paper. The red E field arrows are in the plane of paper.
(4) Looking at E x B, one sees that the wave is traveling to the right in the ^
z direction.
(5) The E field arrows point from positive charge to negative charge, so this is why the + and - signs are
distributed as shown.
(6) The conductors are fixed to the paper, everything else is moving to the right at velocity vd. This
includes the E and B arrows and their curves, the charge density and its curve n, and the two current
curves drawn on the bottom conductor.
(7) At point Q on plane z = zQ, since B is coming out of paper to the viewer, the longitudinal current Jz in
the lower conductor must be pointing to the right. This is why Jz is shown positive at this point in the
lower conductor, and this calibrates the position of the Jz curve. Maximum Jz occurs with maximum B.
126
(8) There exists a displacement current Jdisp = ∂tD = εd ∂tE in the dielectric whose magnitude is shown
as a red curve. For an observer sitting at fixed point P, since the wave is moving to the right, the value of
∂tE is at its instantaneous maximum positive value. This is why the red Jdisp curve has a positive
maximum at point P.
(9) As discussed in Section 3.4, the displacement current is "fed" by the radial current Jr inside the lower
conductor, so the Jr curve also has its maximum positive value at point P. This Jr current is busily
radially pumping positive charge to the surface of the lower conductor at point P so that charge will be
there when the wave has moved λ/4 to the right. Of course this radial Jr is doing this charge pumping all
around the lower conductor, but we only show it in the plane of paper. [ See Section D.9 (c) ]
(10) We have glossed over the fact that the E and B fields track each other in magnitude. The Maxwell
equation curl E = -jωB requires that E and B vanish at the same place (z = zP). Since E and B have the
same wavelength, they must also have their maxima at the same place (z = zQ). This same correlation
occurs in a normal plane wave. The maximum of E at z = zQ is associated with a maximum of the surface
charge, while the maximum of B is associated with a maximum of Jz.
(h) Estimate of the ratio Jr/Jz
Having drawn and described this elaborate Fig 3.9, we now consider the inscribed green Gaussian box
which contains no surface charge. We first assume cylindrical conductors so this box is a cylinder. At the
instant in time for which Fig 3.9 is drawn, the total current flowing into the endcaps of the box is 2I,
where I is the peak longitudinal current -- the magnitude of the longitudinal sine wave. Therefore, the
total Jr integrated over the sides of the green cylinder must also be 2I.
To obtain a ballpark estimate of the situation, we assume that the two round conductors are far apart
compared to their radii, in which case Jr is roughly symmetric around the conductor surface. Then the
total radial current emitted by the curved surface of the green Gaussian cylinder is:
radial current total = [ (2/π)Jr ]* 2πa * (λ/2) = 2I
Since Jr is a longitudinal sine wave, we have added a factor 2/π to get its value averaged over the length
of the Gaussian box. In a more general case, we can replace 2πa with distance p which represents the
active portion of the conductor perimeter, as illustrated in Fig 2.16. Then we have
[ (2/π)Jr ]*p * (λ/2) = 2I =>
Jr = 2πI / (λp) . (3.7.32)
On the other hand, for a round conductor operating in the strong skin effect regime
Jz ≈ I/(pδ) (3.7.33)
where p is the same active perimeter just mentioned. So
Jr/Jz ≈ 2π (δ/λ) . (3.7.34)
127
For δ we had
δ ≡ 2/ωμσ . (2.2.20)
From (3.7.31) we have λ = vd/f = 2πvd/ω where vd is the wave phase velocity. Then
2 ω 2ω 1 4πf 1
(δ/λ) = ωμσ 2πvd = μσ 2πvd = μσ 2πvd . (3.7.35)
Setting vd ≈ c and μ = μ0 = 4π x 10-7 and σ = 5.81 x 107 (copper) and f = 109f(Ghz) we get
4πf 1 4π 109 f(GHz) 1 1

(δ/λ) ≈ μσ 2πvd = 4π x 10-7 x 5.81 x 107 2π 3 x 108
1010 f(GHz) 1 1 f(GHz) 1 -3 -6

= 58.1 2π 3 x 108 = 58.1 6π 10 = 7 x 10 f(GHz)
and so
Jr/Jz ≈ (2π) (δ/λ) ≈ 4.4 x 10-5 f(GHz) . (3.7.36)
For f ≤ 10 GHz we then find
Jr/Jz ≤ 1.4 x 10-4 . f ≤ 10 GHz strong skin effect regime (3.7.37)
showing that the radial charge-pumping current density Jr is much smaller than the longitudinal current
density Jz in the conductor sheath.
What about the low-frequency situation with no skin-effect sheath? For simplicity, we assume now two
round conductors of radius a which are widely spaced. No skin effect means roughly δ > a which means
2/ωμσ > a => ω < 2/(μσa2) or ωa/2 < 1/(μσa) . (3.7.38)
In this low frequency regime we must replace (3.7.33) by
Jz ≈ I/(πa2) . (3.7.39)
Since (3.7.32) is still valid, we find now that
Jz ≈ I/(πa2)
Jr ≈ 2πI/(pλ) ≈ 2πI/(2πaλ) ≈ I/(aλ)
so
Jr/Jz ≈ π(a/λ) ≈ (πa)(ω/2πvd) ≈ ωa/2vd = (ωa/2)(1/vd) . (3.7.40)
128
Using (3.7.38) for ωa/2 we get
Jr/Jz < 1/(μσavd) . (3.7.41)
With μ = μ0 = 4π x 10-7, σ = 5.81 x 107 (copper) and vd = c = 3 x 108 we find for a wire of radius 1
mm,
1 10-5
Jr/Jz < 4π * 5.81 * 10-3 * 3 * 108 = 4π * 5.81 * 3 = 4.6 x 10-8 . low frequency (3.7.42)
The conclusion is that in general Jr << Jz under 10 GHz and finally we justify entries made in the tables
of Sections 3.5 and 3.6. The basic fact is that the green cylinder in Fig 3.9 is long, so the surface area
through which Jr flows is much larger than the area through which Jz flows.
Comment: The explicit round wire field solution of Appendix D verifies that |Jr/Jz| << 1. See (D.2.33)
and Observation (3) following. Roughly the conclusion is that |Jr/Jz| ≈ |βd/β'| << 1.
3.8 Review of Transmission Line Preliminaries
A transmission line normally has two conductors. The cross sectional shape of these conductors is
assumed constant in the direction z along the transmission line. The transverse directions are x and y.
A wave propagates down a transmission line in what is called the TEM mode. TEM means that the
electric and magnetic fields of a wave traveling down the line are transverse, as in Figures 3.7-9. What
this really means is that an electromagnetic wave goes straight down the conductors as guides with no
surface reflections, unlike what happens in a waveguide, see Appendix F. Apart from a small drag on the
wave due to losses in the conductors, the wave proceeds with wavenumber βd and velocity νd as it would
in an open medium. The conductors shape the E and B fields as in Fig 3.7, so the wave is not a "plane
wave". Nevertheless, at each point in the dielectric, E and B are perpendicular (strong skin effect regime)
and E x B points down the transmission line.
We now summarize a set of basic facts about this TEM mode, most of which were addressed in the
previous Section.
Fact 1: The major current for the TEM mode is the longitudinal current Jz. We just showed in the last
section that Jr << Jz. Moreover, Jθ = σEθ vanishes at the surface from (3.7.0) and is presumably either
tiny or non-existent inside the conductor. (3.8.1)
Fact 2: There is no cutoff frequency one has to operate above. The TEM mode works all the way down to
DC (although at low frequencies, the attenuation per wavelength becomes large). See Appendix F for why
operation down to DC is not possible in a waveguide. (3.8.2)
Comment: In the low frequency regime of (3.7.3) there is still a TEM wave going down the transmission
line, but since we are not then in the strong or extreme skin depth limits, some of the facts of Section 3.7
do not apply. For example, looking at Fig 3.6, the conductors are no longer wrapped by tangent B field
lines, and Az is no longer constant on the conductor perimeter, and E • B is no longer 0 at the surface.
129
Corollary 2: If one operates a transmission line below the cutoff of the lowest waveguide mode, the TEM
mode is the only possible way of moving energy down the line. (3.8.3)
Fact 3: The simplest expression of the boundary conditions (at least for large ω) are in terms of
potentials, not fields, so the potential wave equations are used to solve problems. (3.8.4)
Those boundary conditions are that φ and Az are constant on conductor cross sections at a given z, as
stated below in Facts 6 and 7.
Fact 4: The transverse components of the vector potential A can be neglected, so Az is the only
component of A we have to worry about. (3.8.5)
Proof: This is addressed in (3.7.1) and Appendix M, but we give a brief summery here. Consider
equation (1.5.9) where both conductors have the same μ,
∫J(x',ω) e R
-jβdR
μ
A(x,ω) = 4π dV' . (3.8.6)
Here, J represents the currents in the conductors and the volume integration is over both conductors in x,y
and z, and R = |x-x'|. There is clearly going to be a strong Az component since the predominant conductor
currents are in the longitudinal direction. According to Fact 1 above, transverse currents are very small, so
the corresponding transverse components of A will also be very small and we shall completely neglect
them.
When we compute A in the above integral, we can still decompose A into Az, Ar and Aθ . These
components are, however, with respect to some fixed coordinate system located perhaps on some
approximate center line between the two conductors. Thus, each potential of the pair Ar and Aθ will feel
the effect of both Jr and Jθ , but these are both very small. Moreover, there is considerable cancellation
which takes place as pieces of Jr and Jθ are added up in the integration. We rely mainly on the fact that Jr
and Jθ are very small to conclude that Ar and Aθ may be safely neglected.
This is very different from what happens with Az. In the region of one conductor, the summation is
additive for all nearby pieces of current Jz in that conductor, assuming that the wavelength λ of
longitudinal propagation is much larger than any transverse dimension. The only place Az is small is on a
longitudinal line between the conductors where their contributions cancel.
We conclude then that Ar and Aθ can be neglected relative to Az.
Fact 5: The potential φ(x) can be identified with the transverse "voltmeter voltage" . (3.8.7)
In the transverse direction (z = constant), and in the extreme/strong skin depth regime, we know from
(3.7.14) that Et = -∇tφ -jωAt ≈ -∇tφ. In the drawing below there is no difference then between the line
integral of the electric field between the two black dots and the potential difference φ1-φ2 between these
same points. Since there is no B field perpendicular to the plane of paper, there is no time-varying
magnetic flux through any loop containing the probe wires of our "planar" voltmeter, so there is no
"EMF" induced in these leads to confuse the meter reading, and the meter directly reads V = φ1-φ2. If in
130
the drawing we move the right black dot attachment point to a point on the left conductor in some other z
plane, the meter leads then enclose B field flux and -jωAz comes into play in Ez = -∂zφ - jωAz and it is
then less clear what the voltmeter is reading :
Fig 3.10
Fact 6: The potential φ is constant over the surface of either conductor at a fixed z. (3.8.8)
This was addressed in (3.7.4) where we had to add the assumptions that we are in the strong or extreme
skin effect regimes and we are operating in the transmission line limit. Although φ = constant at ω = 0, we
concluded only that φ ≈ constant in the low frequency regime of (3.7.3).
Fact 7: The potential Az is constant over the surface of either conductor at a fixed z. (3.8.9)
This was addressed in (3.7.20) and is only valid in the strong or extreme skin effect regimes. At low
frequencies Fact 7 is definitely not valid (see Fig 3.6a).
131
Chapter 4: Transmission Line Equations
In this Chapter we use the potential integral expressions derived in Chapter 1 to derive the classical
transmission line equations. It is shown that most transmission line parameters are determined by a single
geometric integral K. The approximations are clearly stated.
4.1 Computation of potential φ due to one conductor of a transmission line
Our starting point is the potential φ expression given in box (1.5.23) for the potential at some arbitrary
point x in the dielectric due to conductor C1 of a transmission line,
∫C ρ (x',y',z',ω) e R
-jβdR
1
φ1(x,ω) = 4πξ 1 dx'dy'dz' . R = |x - x'| (4.1.1)
d
1
Here the integration point x' = (x',y',z') runs over the surface of C1 and R is the distance between the
observation point x in the dielectric and the point x'. Parameters βd and ξd are for the dielectric.
Comments on ρ1:
1. ρ1 is the volume charge density associated with "surface charge" n1 according to ρ1dV' = n1dS' .
2. ρ1 is a distribution. For example, for a round wire of radius a we expect ρ1 to be proportional to δ(r'-a)
where r' = x'2+y'2 . Perhaps ρ1 = f(θ')δ(r'-a) where (r',θ',z') are cylindrical coordinates with axis at the
round wire center.
3. Recall from Section 1.5 (c) and (1.5.17) the fact that there are two distinct areal charge distributions
called nc and ns which are related by nc = (ξd/εd)ns. Here ns is the actual surface charge distribution,
whereas nc is an adjusted charge density which is directly associated with the current I in the conductor
and which accounts for possible leakage in the dielectric. Our n1 and ρ1 are associated with this nc
adjusted charge distribution, not with ns. That is why the external factor in (4.1.1) is 1/4πξd instead of
1/4πεd.
Consider now this charge density ρ1(x). Following a standard methodology, we make the assumption that
its functional form may be factored in the following manner,
ρ1(x,y,z) = α1(x,y) q1(z) . (4.1.2)

C/m3 1/m2 C/m
The dimensions of the functions in this factorization are as indicated, so the charge goes with q1.
Moreover, without any loss of generality we select the relative scale of the two factors such that the
integral of α1(x,y) over a slice of conductor C1 at any z is unity,
∫C dx dy α1(x,y) = 1 . (4.1.3)
1
132
Therefore, one can interpret q1(z) as the total charge per unit length on C1 at location z :
∫C dx dy ρ1(x,y,z) = q1(z) ∫C dx dy α1(x,y) = q1(z) • 1 = q1(z) .

1 1
Assume that q2(z) is the charge on the other conductor C2 of a two-conductor transmission line. If q1(z) +
q2(z) ≠ 0, then there is a net charge per unit length and the transmission line is acting as a radiating
antenna as well as a transmission line. From now on, we ignore this superposed radiation problem and
assume that at each value of z, the net charge on both conductors is 0 -- the line is "balanced". Thus,
q2(z) = - q1(z) ≡ -q(z) . (4.1.4)
To simplify notation, we now dispense with the subscript and denote q1(z) = q(z). However, we maintain
the subscript on α1(x,y) to emphasize that the two conductors can have completely different cross
sectional shapes. The shape of the transverse distribution of charge on C1 is determined by α1(x,y), but
the total charge is q(z) per unit length.
How can we justify assumption (4.1.2)? This is "separation of variables". The idea is that we assume it
without any justification, and then we try to find a solution to our problem which is consistent with the
assumption. All we really want is to find a solution to our basic differential equations with their boundary
conditions, and any assumptions we make can be justified in the end once we have found a solution. On
the other hand, if an assumption like (4.1.2) does not lead to a solution, then it must have been a bad
assumption. We have seen earlier how the expected EM field pattern on a transmission line has a constant
transverse "shape" and this certainly motivates the assumption (4.1.2).
Now insert (4.1.2) into (4.1.1) to get,
1 e-jβdR
∫-∞ ∫C
∞
φ1(x,y,z) = 4πξ dz' q(z') dx' dy' α1(x',y') R (4.1.5)
d 1
R2 = (x-x')2 + (y-y')2 + (z-z')2 .
Technical Note Concerning the condition (4.1.2) and (4.1.3)
For some general quantity Q we must in general assume the following
Q(x,y,z,t) = Q(x,y,z) ejωt = |Q(x,y,z)| ejφQ(x,y,z) ejωt
Qphysical(x,y,z,t) = Re(Q) = |Q(x,y,z)| cos [ ωt + φQ(x,y,z) ] = real .
In general, Q(x,y,z,t) can have a phase φQ(x,y,z) which is a function of position (x,y,z). For example, in
J0(βr)
Chapter 2 we found for a round wire that E(r) = E(a) J (βa) where β = ej3π/4 ( 2 /δ). In this case, E(r)
0
certainly has a phase which depends on location r in the wire.
133
In (4.1.2) we write the partition ρ1(x,y,z) = α1(x,y) q1(z). In general, α1(x,y) could have a phase
which varies with x,y. Suppose that ∫C dx dy α1(x,y) = κ, where κ is some complex number. We can
1
then define primed quantities α'1(x,y) ≡ α1(x,y)/κ and q'1(z) ≡ q1(z)κ . In this new partition we then have
ρ1(x,y,z) = α'1(x,y) q'1(z) where ∫C dx dy α'1(x,y) = 1. The point is that, even though α1(x,y) might be
1
a complex function of variables x,y, we can always find a partition ρ1(x,y,z) = α'1(x,y) q'1(z) where
α'1(x,y) is a complex function of x,y, but nevertheless ∫C dx dy α'1(x,y) = 1.
1
Having said all this, we now further claim that we can take α1(x,y) to be purely real with zero phase
in our development below. We will be assuming that φ ≈ constant on a conductor perimeter in any z =
constant plane. If it were possible for ρ1(x,y,z,t) to "peak" at different times at different points on the
perimeter, then such a ρ1 would differ from its quasi-static equilibrium form in which φ = constant, and
then one would have φ ≠ constant. Thus for all points on the perimeter ρ1(x,y,z,t) must reach a peak value
at the same time, which then implies that α1(x,y) does not have a phase which varies with x,y and can
then be taken to be a real function.
4.2 Computation of potential φ due to both conductors of a transmission line
We now write the potential at an arbitrary point x in the dielectric due to both conductors C1 and C2 :
φ12(x) = φ1(x) + φ2(x) =

1 e-jβdR e-jβdR
∫-∞ ∫C ∫C
∞
4πξ dz' q(z'){ dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R }
1 2
R12 = (x-x1')2 + (y-y1')2 + (z-z')2 = s12 + (z-z')2 s12 = (x-x1')2 + (y-y1')2 (4.2.1)
R22 = (x-x2')2 + (y-y2')2 + (z-z')2 = s22 + (z-z')2 s22 = (x-x2')2 + (y-y2') .
The minus sign between the terms is due to (4.1.4). Each conductor has its own arbitrary transverse
charge distribution αi. The transverse integration variables on C1 are dx1' dy1', while those on C2 are
instead dx2' dy2'. In the last two lines we introduce certain transverse distances s1 and s2 as shown. The
same dz' integration variable is used for both conductors. The following drawing shows an arbitrary
dielectric point x = (x,y,z) located in the z = z plane. The point x1' = (x1',y1',z') lies on C1 at some point
of the C1 integration and similarly for x2' = (x2',y2',z'). The full distances R1 and R2 and the transverse
distances s1 and s2 are shown. We show x1' and x2' on the surfaces based on Comment 2 above.
134
Fig 4.1
One can imagine an expression similar to (4.2.1) for a transmission line consisting of N conductors where
Σi=1Nqi(z) = 0, but we shall restrict our interest to N = 2.
4.3 The Transmission Line Limit
Consider again the potential at x due to both conductors shown in (4.2.1),
1 e-jβdR e-jβdR
∫-∞ dz' q(z'){ ∫C dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') R – ∫C dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R }
∞
φ12(x) = 4πξ
1 2
(4.3.1)
As the red-dashed z = z' plane shown in Fig 4.1 is pushed back far from the z = z plane, the vectors which
are labeled by distances R1 and R2 become more aligned, and both R1 and R2 become larger. During the
transverse integrations over x1' and x2', these Ri vectors then don't vary much. One could then replace the
transverse charge density α1(x1',y1') with a point charge at the "center of the conductor" and not make
much difference in the R1 vector and its length R1. In this situation, the {...} integrand of the above
integral has this form
e-jβdR1 e-jβdR2
{ R – R2 } . // when |z-z'| is large (4.3.2)
1
If we then expand the exponentials showing the first few terms, this becomes
1-jβdR1+(jβd)2R12/2 1-jβdR2+(jβd)2R22/2 1 1
{ R1 – R2 } = {[ R - R ] + [-jβd + jβd ] + (jβd)2/2 [R1-R2] + ...}
1 2
1 1
= { [ R - R ] - (βd2/2) [R1-R2] + order(βd3) } (4.3.3)
1 2
135
Since R1 ≈ R2 for large |z-z'| as just discussed, both the leading term and the βd2 term are small in an
absolute sense as long as βd2 is not huge. When |z-z'| is large, both R1 and R2 are large and thus both 1/R1
and 1/R2 are small, and [ 1/R1 - 1/R2] is smaller still due to cancellation between the terms.
So our first point is that, in the dz' integration, the main contribution to φ12(x) comes from regions of
z' for which |z-z'| is small.
Given then that the dz' integration in (4.3.1) is dominated by that part for which |z-z'| is small, we can
see that for this controlling integration region the size of distances R1 and R2 will be on the order of the
transverse dimension of the transmission line, assuming that we select the point x somewhere between the
two conductors. If we vaguely define the transmission line's transverse extent as distance D, then suppose
we make the following assumption concerning βd :
βdD << 1 "small βd" . (4.3.4)
In this case, we can replace e-jβdR1 = 1 and e-jβdR2 = 1 in the integration without significantly changing
the result. Then as shown in (4.3.3) there will be a correction term that is order βd2 which we shall
neglect, as well as higher terms of order βdn with n> 2.
Notice that the linear βd term vanished exactly in our large |z-z'| analysis. This linear term also
vanishes in the full analysis since the αi transverse charge functions are normalized to unity:
-jβdR1 -jβdR2
{ ∫C dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') R1 – ∫C dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R2 }
1 2
= (-jβd) { ∫ dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') - ∫C dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') ) = (-jβd) {1 - 1} = 0. (4.3.5)

C1 1
Thus, by setting βd = 0 in (4.3.1) we are ignoring corrections on the order of βd2 and higher, and if βd is
small, these corrections are very small.
The Helmholtz parameter βd for the dielectric is 2π/λ where λ is the wavelength of a wave passing
down the transmission line. Thus, our "small βd" assumption stated above can also be written
λ >> D (4.3.6)
which says the wavelength is much longer than the size of the transmission line transverse dimensions.
This assumption is called the Transmission Line Limit. If we operate within this limit, then (4.3.1) may
be approximated as
1 1 1
∫-∞ dz' q(z'){ ∫C ∫C
∞
φ12(x) = 4πξ dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R } . (4.3.7)
d 1 1 2 2
We shall now use the small βd assumption one more time. We assume that the linear charge density q(z')
has the characteristics of a wave traveling down the transmission line (see also Chapter 5),
q(z) = q(0) e-jβdz // q(z,t) = q(0,0) ej(ωt-βdz) (4.3.8)
which is appropriate for a lossless line (see below for a lossy line). Therefore,
136
q'(z) = -jβd q(z)

q"(z) = (-jβd)2q(z) and so on.
We can then write a Taylor expansion for charge density q(z') which appears in our integration,
q(z') = q(z) + (z'-z) q'(z) + (1/2) (z'-z)2 q"(z) + ...

= q(z) + (-jβd) q(z) (z'-z) + (1/2) (-jβd)2 q(z) (z'-z)2 + ...
= q(z) [ 1 + (-jβd) (z'-z) + (1/2) (-jβd)2(z'-z)2 + ... ] . (4.3.9)
Since both R1 and R2 are even functions of the quantity (z'-z), and since there is no other (z'-z)
dependence in the (4.3.7) integrand, the (-jβd) term in (4.3.9) contributes nothing (this is also true more
generally for (4.3.1)). Thus, if we assume small βd, we can approximate q(z') ≈ q(z) where we are then
ignoring a βd2 size term. Once again, if βd is small, βd2 is very small so our error in replacing q(z') by
q(z) is very small. We are only interested in the contributing region where |z-z'| is on the order of
transverse dimension D, so one is using the same βdD << 1 as assumed earlier.
We arrive then at our final result for the potential at a point x between the conductors,
1 1 1
∫-∞ dz'{ ∫C ∫C
∞
φ12(x) = 4πξ q(z) dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R } (4.3.10)
d 1 1 2 2
where we have thrown out terms of order βd2 and higher. In this transmission line limit approximation,
our Helmholtz integral (4.3.1) has been reduced to essentially an electrostatics Coulomb integral where
we just sum over the contribution of each piece of charge to the total potential. As noted earlier, q(z) has
the normalization of nc and not ns as discussed in Section 1.5 (c) which explains why the leading factor is
1 1
4πξd and not 4πεd . This allows for the dielectric to have some conductance.
It should be noted that the integral of (4.3.10) converges due to the subtraction of the two terms which
in turn results from the two conductors having opposite longitudinal charge densities q(z) and -q(z). The
individual terms in (4.3.10) do not converge and are in fact each logarithmically divergent in the sense
that
∫0
∞
dz' (1/z') = ln(∞) = ∞ .
This will become clearer in (4.4.5) below.
Transmission Line Limit for a Transmission Line with Losses
When a transmission line has losses, we will show later in (5.3.5) that the z dependence of q(z) and other
line quantities is not e-jβdz but rather e-jkz where jk = (R+jωL)(G+jωC) where R,L,G,C are certain
transmission line parameters. The lossless case is recovered by setting R = G = 0 so jk = -ω2LC and
then k = ω LC . It will be shown in (4.12.19) that in this case LC = 1/vd so then k = ω/vd = βd. In the
lossy case, to make the argument above concerning q(z') ≈ q(z), we must show that |k| D << 1 in addition
137
to βdD << 1 of (4.3.4). Appendix (Q.2.1) shows that |k| = [(R2+ω2L2)(G2+ω2C2)]1/4, so the
"transmission line limit" then requires that these two conditions be met :
ω LC D << 1 // βdD << 1
[(R2+ω2L2)(G2+ω2C2)]1/4D << 1 . // for a lossy line, |k| D << 1 (4.3.11)
Since |k| ≥ βd (see Fig Q.5.8), the second inequality is more stringent in determining the maximum
general ω for which the analysis presented above is valid. Using the quadratic formula, the last inequality
can be written as
ω2 << [ -b + b2 - 4ac ]/(2a) // transmission line limit for lossy line (4.3.12)
a = L2C2 >0
b = L2G2+R2C2 >0
c = R2G2 - 1/D4 < 0 (for D small enough to put things in the transmission line limit)
As an example, if we insert the parameters appropriate for Belden 8281 coaxial cable (see Appendix R),
and use D = a2 = the cable radius, we obtain from (4.3.12) that ω2 << 6 x 1021 so ω << 8 x 1010 and
finally f << 12 GHz. At such a high frequency, Fig Q.5.8 shows that Im(k) ≈ 0.1 so a signal would decay
to 1/e in 10 meters of cable.
4.4 General Calculation of V(z)
We now introduce two new points x1 and x2. The point x1 lies on C1 in the z = z plane, while x2 lies on
C2 in this same plane. We then evaluate φ12(x) at x = x1 and subtract from that φ12(x) at x = x2 and in
this way we obtain the potential difference between the surfaces of the two conductors at z = z. Recall,
Fact 2: φ ≈ constant on a conductor boundary (z = constant) in the strong or extreme skin effect regimes
within the Transmission Line Limit. (3.7.4)
Thus, assuming the small δ regime and treating φ ≈ constant as an equality, the potential difference will
be independent of the locations of x2 and x1 as long as they are on their respective surfaces and both have
z = z. For this reason, the potential difference is a function only of z. Thus we write, using two copies of
(4.3.10),
V(z) ≡ φ12(x1) - φ12(x2)

1 1 1
= 4πξ q(z) ∫ dz' { ∫C ∫C
∞
dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R }
d -∞ 1 11 2 12
1 1 1
∫-∞ dz' { ∫C ∫C
∞
– 4πξ q(z) dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R } (4.4.1)
d 1 21 2 22
where
138
R112 = (x1-x1')2 + (y1-y1')2 + (z-z')2 = s112 + (z-z')2 s112 = (x1-x1')2 + (y1-y1')2

R212 = (x2-x1')2 + (y2-y1')2 + (z-z')2 = s212 + (z-z')2 s212 = (x2-x1')2 + (y2-y1')2 . (4.4.2)
The vector R12 points from our new point x1 to an integration point x2' on C2. Here is a drawing of our
new and more complicated situation:
Fig 4.2
We next rearrange the four terms in (4.4.1) to get
V(z) (4.4.3)
1 1 1 1 1
∫-∞ dz' { ∫C dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1')( R11 - R21 ) - ∫C dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') ( R12 - R22 ) } .
∞
= q(z) 4πξ
d 1 2
It is now possible to carry out the dz' integrations. The generic integral of interest is the following,
1 1
∫-∞ dx {
∞
- } = ln(b2/a2) . (4.4.4)
a + x2
2
b + x2
2
Since this is quite important, we confirm with Maple,
139
The separate integrals here are logarithmically divergent, but the combination converges. Thus,
1 1 1 1
∫-∞ dz' ( R11 - R21 ) = ∫-∞ dz' (
∞ ∞
- ) = ln(s212/s112)
s11 + (z-z')2
2
s21 + (z-z')2
2
1 1 1 1
∫-∞ dz' ( R12 - R22 ) = ∫-∞ dz' ( s 2 + (z-z')2 -
∞ ∞
) = ln(s222/s122) (4.4.5)
12 s22 + (z-z')2
2
so that
1
V(z) = q(z) 4πξ { ∫ dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫ dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) }
d C1 C2
s212 = (x2-x1')2 + (y2-y1')2 s222 = (x2-x2')2 + (y2-y2')2 (4.4.6)

s112 = (x1-x1')2 + (y1-y1')2 s122 = (x1-x2')2 + (y1-y2')2 .
The four transverse distances are shown in this figure,
Fig 4.3
Equation (4.4.6) expresses the potential between the two transmission line conductors at some plane z in
terms of the charge distributions on the conductors αi. In general, these charge distributions are not
known, so one cannot regard (4.4.6) as a general purpose silver bullet to solve transmission line problems.
On the other hand, as we shall see, equation (4.4.6) is one of a group of equations which will allow us to
express several different transmission line parameters in terms the same integral, and one then obtains a
relation between these parameters.
For example, in analogy to what we did with a parallel plate capacitor in (1.5.19), we may define the
complex capacitance C' per unit length of our transmission line using (4.4.6) as follows:
140
1 V(z) 1
C' = q(z) = 4πξd { ∫C1 dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') ln(s21 /s11 ) - ∫C2 dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') ln(s22 /s12 ) }
2 2 2 2
1 1
= 4πξ K and V(z) = q(z) 4πξ K (4.4.7)
d d
where
K ≡ ∫C dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫

C2
dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) . (4.4.8)
1
Eq (4.1.2) shows that α1(x,y) has dimensions 1/m2, so K is a dimensionless number. As observed at the
end of Section 4.1, Fact 2 of (3.7.4) that φ = constant on the cross section perimeter allows us to define
α1(x1',y1') to be a purely real function. Thus, K is a dimensionaless real number obtained from a 2D
geometric integral of the normalized transverse charge distributions αi.
Recall from (1.5.20) that (C', C and G are discussed further in Section 4.11 below)
C' = C + 1/(jωR) = C + G/(jω) (4.4.9)
where conductance (per unit length) G is associated with the imaginary part of C'. We then have
4πξd/K = C' = C + G/jω

or
4π(εd+σd/jω)/K = C + G/jω // (1.5.1a) for ξd
so that
C = 4πεd/K capacitance per unit length of the transmission line
G = 4πσd/K conductance per unit length of the transmission line

so
C/G = εd/σd . (4.4.10)
Here G = 1/RG is the conductance across the dielectric between a unit length of the two conductors. This
is unrelated to the longitudinal resistance R of the conductors themselves, though that parameter will arise
later on in the form of surface impedance Zs. We only have G ≠ 0 if the dielectric has some conductance
σd ≠ 0 ( or σeff ≠ 0 as in (3.3.4) ).
Note from above and (1.1.28) that dim(C) = dim(ε) = farad/m and dim(G) = dim(σ) = mho/m .
We now quote several results that will be derived later in Section 4.11.
First, we show below in (4.10.8) with (4.12.20) that the external inductance per unit length of our
transmission line is also related to this same constant K,
Le = (μd/4π)K . (4.4.11)
141
Second, we show in (4.12.18) that the characteristic impedance of the transmission line is given by
V(z) R + jωL
Z0 ≡ i(z) = G + jωC . (4.4.12)
At sufficiently large ω we can neglect the R and G terms to get this real value,
L
Z0 = C . // large ω (4.4.13)
Third, we show in (4.12.26) that, for large ω, L → Le so
Le (μd/4π)K
Z0 = C = 4πεd/K = (1/4π) K μd/εd = (1/4π) K Zm // large ω (4.4.14)
where Zm ≡ μd/εd is the "intrinsic impedance of the dielectric medium" having μd and εd. Recall that
for free space we had in (1.1.29)
Zfs = μ0/ε0 = 376.73032 ohms => Zfs /4π = 29.97948 ≈ 30 Ω . (4.4.15)
[ Obscure fact: the color NTSC frame rate is 30*1000/1001 = 29.97002997 Hz. ≈ 30 Hz. ]
Typically one has μd = μ0 so then (note that εrel and K are dimensionless),
Zm ≡ μd/εd = μ0/εd = μ0/ε0 ε0/εd = Zfs / εrel // εrel ≡ εd/ε0

so (4.4.16)
Z0 = (1/4π) K Zm = (1/4π) K (Zfs/ εrel ) = (K/ εrel ) (Zfs/4π) = (K / εrel ) 30Ω .
We then summarize the parameters of a transmission line in terms of dimensionless real integral K :
C = 4πεd/K capacitance per unit length (4.4.17)
G = 4πσd/K transverse conductance per unit length
Le = (μd/4π) K external inductance per unit length
Z0 ≈ (K / εrel ) 30Ω characteristic impedance μd = μ0, εrel ≡ εd/ε0
R = Re(Zs1+Zs2) resistance of conductors, see (4.12.24)
L = Le + (1/ω) Im(Zs1+ Zs2) total inductance, see (4.12.24)
Zsi = surface impedance of conductor i, see (2.4.1) and (4.12.9)
142
The last three items are not determined by integral K and we just mention them for completeness's sake.
All these equations will be more fully developed in Section 4.11 below, but we have jumped ahead a bit
in order to treat two important examples which hopefully will be refreshing after all the above "theory".
Intrinsic Impedance Comment: Notice that the intrinsic impedance of a dielectric medium Zm = μd/εd
is different from the characteristic impedance of a transmission line Z0, although the numbers are in the
same ballpark. For large ω, we showed in (4.4.14) that they are related by the equation Z0 = (K/4π) Zm.
Both have dimensions of ohms (not ohms/m).
One can define a different intrinsic impedance Zm = μd/ξd [ recall (1.5.1a) that ξd ≡ εd - jσd/ω ] and
corresponding characteristic impedance Z0 which have the relationship Z0 = L/C' = (1/4π) K Zm with
C' as shown in (4.4.9) above. Belden sometimes refers to to Zm as η. We shall have no need for the
quantities Z0 and Zm since we handle conducting dielectrics without involving these quantities.
143
4.5 Example: Transmission line with widely-spaced round wires of unequal diameters
Consider a transmission line made from two round wires of radii a1 and a2 and center line spacing b. In
the case that b >> a1 and a2, the charge distribution on each round wire is symmetric about the wire and in
this situation ( a rare one admittedly) we know the two transverse charge distributions:
α1(x,y) = α1(r,θ) = δ(r - a1)/(2πa1)

α2(x,y) = α2(r,θ) = δ(r - a2)/(2πa2) . (4.5.1)
The 1/(2πa1) factor is required so that the integral of α1 is unity as required by (4.1.3),
∫C ∫0 ∫0 ∫0 ∫0
2π ∞ 2π ∞
dx dy α1(x,y) = dθ rdr α1(r,θ) = dθ rdr δ(r - a1)/(2πa1)
1
∫0
2π
= dθ a1/(2πa1) = 2π a1/(2πa1) = 1 . (4.5.2)
Note: The reason the αi are symmetric is that the two conductors are so far apart that each one is
essentially "in isolation" and so the charge assumes an axially symmetric distribution. An analogy would
be that for two point charges far apart, the E field close to either point charge is spherically symmetric
because close to one charge the field of the other can be neglected.
Our task is then to compute the integral K shown in (4.4.8),
∫0 ∫0a1 r1dr1
2π
K = dθ1 [δ(r1 - a1)/(2πa1)] ln(s212/s112)
-∫ ∫0a2 r2dr2
2π
dθ2 [δ(r2 - a2)/(2πa2)] ln(s222/s122) .
0
∫0
2π
= dθ1 1/(2π) ln(s212/s112)
-∫
2π
dθ2 1/(2π) ln(s222/s122)
0
∫0 ∫0
2π 2π
= 1/(2π) { dθ1 [ln(s212) - ln(s112)] - dθ2 [ln(s222) - ln(s122)] } (4.5.3)
where we then have four integrals to evaluate.
We shall choose our V(z) potential-determining reference points x1 and x2 as shown in this drawing,
144
Fig 4.4
The four sij distances can be read off from the drawing using the law of cosines,
s212 = a12 + (b-a1)2 - 2 a1(b-a1) cos(θ1)
s112 = a12 + a12 - 2 a1 a1 cos(θ1) = 2a12(1 - cos(θ1))
s222 = a22 + a22 - 2 a2 a2 cos(π-θ2) = 2a22(1 + cos(θ2))
s122 = a22 + (b-a2)2 + 2 a2(b-a2) cos(θ2) . (4.5.4)
We then invoke the following integral from p 531 of GR7,
which we rewrite as
∫0
2π
dθ ln (A ± Bcosθ) = 2π ln[(1/2)(A + A2-B2 )] . (4.5.5)
The four integrals are then easily evaluated. First,
∫0 ∫0
2π 2π
dθ1 ln(s212) = dθ1ln([a12 + (b-a1)2 - 2 a1(b-a1) cos(θ1)]
A = a12 + (b-a1)2 B = 2 a1(b-a1)
A2-B2 = [a12 + (b-a1)2]2 - 4 a12(b-a1)2 = [a12 - (b-a1)2]2 => A2-B2 = (b-a1)2- a12 > 0 b >> a1
∫0
2π
=> dθ1 ln(s212) = 2π ln[(1/2)( a12 + (b-a1)2 + (b-a1)2 - a12 ) = 2π ln[(b-a1)2] .
145
The fourth integral is the same with 1↔ 2, and the different sign of the second term in s122 makes no
difference,
∫0
2π
dθ2 ln(s122) = 2π ln[(b-a2)2] .
The second integral is
∫0 ∫0
2π 2π
dθ1 ln(s112) = dθ1ln([2a12(1 - cos(θ1))] A = B = 2a12 , A2-B2 = 0
= 2π ln[(1/2) 2a12] = 2π ln(a12) .
The third integral is similar giving
∫0
2π
dθ2 ln(s222) = 2πln(a22) .
To summarize:
∫0
2π
dθ1 ln(s212) = 2π ln[(b-a1)2]
∫0
2π
dθ1 ln(s112) = 2π ln(a12)
∫0
2π
dθ2 ln(s222) = 2πln(a22)
∫0
2π
dθ2 ln(s122) = 2π ln[(b-a2)2] . (4.5.6)
Then from (4.5.3) we find
∫0 ∫0
2π 2π
K = 1/(2π) { dθ1 [ln(s212) - ln(s112)] - dθ2 [ln(s222) - ln(s122)] }
2 2 2 2 (b-a1)2(b-a2)2
= ln[(b-a1) ] - ln(a1 ) - ln(a2 ) + ln[(b-a2) ] = ln [ a 2a 2 ]
1 2
(b-a1)(b-a2) b2
= 2 ln [ a1a2 ] = 2 ln [ a1a2 ] // since we assumed at the start that b >> a1, a2
= 4 ln(b/ a1a2 ) . (4.5.7)
Therefore the transmission line parameters from (4.5.7) and (4.4.17) are,
146
K = 4 ln(b/ a1a2 ) // widely-space round wires, b >> a1, a2

C = 4πεd/K = πεd / ln(b/ a1a2 )
G = 4πσd/K = πσd / ln(b/ a1a2 )
Le = (μd/4π) K = (μd/π) ln(b/ a1a2 )
Z0 = (K / εrel ) 30Ω = (1/ εrel ) ln(b/ a1a2 ) 120Ω . (4.5.8)
Sometimes these formulas are written in terms of wire diameters di = 2ai in which case
K = 4 ln[b/ a1a2 ] = 4 ln[2b/ d1d2 ] = 2 ln[4b2/d1d2] . (4.5.9)
Since we are assuming b >> d1,d2 we know that x ≡ 2b2/d1d2 >> 1. Therefore
ch-1x = ln[x + x2-1 ] ≈ ln(2x) // an identity Siegel 8.56, then an approximation (4.5.10)
so
ch-1(2b2/d1d2) ≈ ln(4b2/d1d2) .
Then we can write K as
K = 2 ln[4b2/d1d2] = 2 ch-1(2b2/d1d2) (4.5.11)
and so
Z0 = (K / εrel ) 30Ω = (1/ εrel ) ch-1(2b2/d1d2) 60Ω . (4.5.12)
It is not easy to find expressions for C,G and Le for the unequal radii geometry, but Z0 does appear for
example in Reference RDE page 29-23 where we find:
Fig 4.5
with D = our b. For D >> d1,d1 this shows N = 2D2/(d1d2), and this then agrees with (4.5.12). This
quoted result is in fact correct (with the two extra terms shown in N) even when D is not large. We shall
derive this full result in Chapter 6, equation (6.3.12).
147
In the special case that a1 = a2 ≡ a we get,
K = 4 ln(b/a) // widely-space round wires, b >> a1=a2

C = 4πεd/K = πεd/ ln(b/a)
G = 4πσd/K = πσd/ ln(b/a)
Le = (μd/4π) K = (μd/π) ln(b/a)
Z0 = (K / εrel ) 30Ω = (1/ εrel ) ln(b/a) 120Ω
= (1/ εrel ) ln(2b/d) 120Ω d = 2a . (4.5.13)
The first three results agree with King TLT p17 (30b),
The expression for Z0 agrees with the RDE source quoted above,
Fig 4.6
where again D = b and εrel= 1.
Power Transmission Lines (also Telephone and Telegraph)
Ignoring proximity effects of the ground and possible ground wires, one can consider a single phase
power transmission line as fitting into this example. The first interesting number is skin depth. For
aluminum at f = 60 Hz one finds,
σaluminum = 3.7 x 107 mho/m // recall σcopper ≈ 5.8 x 107 (annealed)

μ0 = 4π x 10-7 henry/m
δ ≡ 2/(ωμσ) ≈ 2/(2πfμ0σ) = 1/(πfμ0σ)
So δ ≈ 1 cm. Thus, skin effect could be significant for a very large diameter wire. Typically the individual
strands of a 1500 amp cable are 1/6" in diameter or 0.2 cm in radius, so there is some slight non-
uniformity in the current distribution. If the strands are not insulated one should think of this more in
terms of the total cable diameter including all strand layers which might be 1".
Usually the requirement of low power loss requires that R be relatively small compared to ωL. The
1500A cable just noted has R = .02Ω per thousand feet. Similarly, the conductance G (mostly from
148
insulator leakage) is very small compared to ωC. Thus, (4.4.12) leads to (4.4.16) stating Z0 ≈ K 30Ω . If
the full cable is 1" in diameter and the two lines are spaced 1 m apart, we can compute K from (4.5.13),
K = 4 ln(b/a) = 4 ln( 1m/0.5") = 4 ln(39.37*2) = 17.5
so then from (4.4.16),
Z0 ≈ K 30Ω = 17.5 * 30 Ω = 524Ω .
Notice that halving radius a (or doubling b) increases K by 4ln2 = 2.77 which is only 16% of 17.5, so Z0
is fairly insensitive to the line geometry. Rajput (p 554) claims power lines typically range from 400 to
600 Ω. See southwire.com for data on transmission line cables.
A twin-line telegraph or telephone cable falls into this same impedance class, with 600 ohms being
the traditional Z0 number. A single telegraph wire over the ground plane has a similar Z0. For a = 1/8" =
0.32 cm and height 4 m, K = 2 ln(2h/a) from (6.3.21) below, so K = 2 ln(8/[.32x10-2]) = 2 ln(2500) =
15.64 giving Z0 = 469 Ω.
149
4.6 Example: A coaxial cable
A coaxial cable is the other transmission line where we know the surface charge distribution is that given
by (4.5.1). The analysis of the previous section resulting in (4.5.3) is then unchanged, and we find that K
is still given by (4.5.3),
∫0 ∫0
2π 2π
K = 1/(2π) { dθ1 [ln(s212) - ln(s112)] - dθ2 [ln(s222) - ln(s122)] } . (4.5.3)
What is different is that we have a different picture describing the various sij distances. The new picture
is this, where the cross section circles have radii a2 > a1 :
Fig 4.7
As done in the previous section, we "read off" the sij expressions using the law of cosines:
s212 = a12 + a22 - 2 a1a2cos(θ1)
s112 = a12 + a12 - 2 a1 a1 cos(θ1) = 2a12(1 - cos(θ1))
s222 = a22 + a22 - 2 a2 a2 cos(θ2) = 2a22(1 - cos(θ2))
s122 = a22 + a12 - 2 a1a2 cos(θ2) . (4.6.1)
Recalling,
∫0
2π
one finds,
∫0 ∫0
2π 2π
dθ1 ln(s212) = dθ1 ln[a12 + a22 - 2a1a2cos(θ1)] A = a12 + a22 B = 2a1a2
A2-B2 = (a12 +a22)2 - 4a12a22 = (a12 -a22)2 => A2-B2 = (a22 -a12) >0 since a2 > a1
so
150
∫0
2π
dθ1 ln(s212) = 2π ln[(1/2)( a12 + a22 + (a22 -a12) ) = 2πln(a22) .
Similarly
∫0
2π
dθ2 ln(s122) = 2π ln[(1/2)( a12 + a22 + (a22 -a12) ) = 2πln(a22) = same as above .
The other two integrals are,
∫0 ∫0
2π 2π
dθ1 ln(s112) = dθ1 ln[2a12(1 - cos(θ1))] A = B = 2a12
= 2π ln[(1/2)2a12] = 2πln(a12)
∫0 ∫0
2π 2π
dθ2 ln(s222) = dθ1 ln[2a22(1 - cos(θ2))] A = B = 2a22
= 2π ln[(1/2)2a22] = 2πln(a22) .
To summarize:
∫0
2π
dθ1 ln(s212) = 2πln(a22)
∫0
2π
dθ1 ln(s112) = 2π ln(a12)
∫0
2π
dθ2 ln(s222) = 2π ln(a22)
∫0
2π
dθ2 ln(s122) = 2π ln(a22) . (4.6.2)
Then from (4.5.3) one gets,
∫0 ∫0
2π 2π
K = 1/(2π) { dθ1 [ln(s212) - ln(s112)] - dθ2 [ln(s222) - ln(s122)] }
= ln(a22) - ln(a12) - ln(a22) + ln(a22) = ln(a22/a12) = 2 ln(a2/a1) . (4.6.3)
The coaxial transmission line parameters are then given by,
K = 2 ln(a2/a1) // centered coaxial

C = 4πεd/K = 2πεd / ln(a2/a1)
G = 4πσd/K = 2πσd / ln(a2/a1)
Le = (μd/4π)K = (μd/2π) ln(a2/a1)
Z0 = (K / εrel ) 30Ω = (1/ εrel ) ln(a2/a1) 60Ω (4.6.4)
We verify the C and Le parameters from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coaxial_cable ,
151
Fig 4.8
To verify the Z0 value, first recall that (the positive square root is implied here)
ch-1x = ln[x + x2-1 ] . // Spiegel identity 8.56, valid for x ≥ +1 (4.6.5)
2 2
1 a b 1 a +b
Setting x ≡ 2 ( b + a ) = 2 ab and assuming a > 0 and b > 0,
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
1 (a +b ) 1 (a +b ) - 4a b 1 (a -b )
x2 - 1 = 4 a2b2 - 1 = 4 { 2 2
a b } = 4 a2b2
2 2
1 |b -a | 1 b a
=> x2-1 = 2 ab = sign(b-a) 2 (a - b )
1 a b 1 b a ⎧ b/a b ≥ a
=> x + x2-1 = ( + ) + sign(b-a) ( - ) = ⎨
2 b a 2 a b ⎩ a/b a ≥ b
⎧ b/a b ≥ a
=> ln [x + x2-1 ] = ln [ ⎨ a/b a ≥ b ] = sign(b-a) ln(b/a) .
⎩
Thus we have shown that (note that both sides are invariant under a ↔ b )
1 a b b
ch-1[2 (b + a )] = sign(b-a) ln a . a > 0 and b > 0 (4.6.6)
With this rather elaborate fact, and since b > a, rewrite Z0 above as
1 a b
Z0 = (1/ εrel ) ch-1[2 (b + a )] 60 Ω . (4.6.7)
Again we quote from reference RDE page 29-24
152
Fig 4.9
In our centered case c = 0 so U = (1/2)(D/d+d/D) and we have agreement. The full off-center result is
derived later in Chapter 6, equation (6.3.15).
Comment: In the examples of Sections 4.5 and 4.6, the current distributions in the involved round wires
are axially symmetric. Therefore all the results of Chapter 2 apply. In particular, Chapter 2 calculates the
surface impedance Zs for a round wire in complete detail, including its limits for large and small ω. For
example, at low frequency for a wire of radius a,
1 μ
and one sees that Rs is the expected DC resistance (C.1.1) and Ls is the internal impedance Li as
computed in (C.3.5).
Having presented our two Examples, we now resume development of the transmission line equations.
153
4.7 Computation of Az due to one conductor of a transmission line
Summary box (1.5.23) states the following Helmholtz integral for the vector potential arising from
currents in a set of conductors,
1
μiJi(x',ω) R dV' (1.5.23)
where the sum Σi is over the conductors and μi is the permeability of conductor i.
In our transmission line context, and as discussed in Chapter 3, the dominant current is in the z
(longitudinal) direction, while transverse currents are very small. For example, in the estimate of Section
3.7 (h) we found that Jr/Jz < 1.4 x 10-4 below 10 GHz and Jr/Jz < 4.6 x 10-8 at low frequency. Looking
at the above Helmholtz solution to the Helmholtz equation, if we neglect these transverse currents, we are
then in effect neglecting the transverse components of A, and this is what we shall do from now on. This
approximation, discussed in Chapter 3 as Fact 1 (3.7.1), is restated below, and details are given in
Appendix M.
Fact: The transverse components Ax and Ay can be neglected so that A = Az^

z . (Appendix M) (4.7.1)
Our starting point then is the following expression for the potential Az at some arbitrary point x in the
dielectric due to conductor C1 of a transmission line,
μ1
Az1(x,ω) = 4π ∫C J
1
z1(x',y',z',ω)
e-jβdR
R dx'dy'dz' . R = |x - x'| (4.7.2)
Here the integration point x' = (x',y',z') runs over the volume of C1 and R is the distance between the
observation point x in the dielectric and the point x'. Parameter βd is for the dielectric while μ1 is for the
conductor.
In the analogous φ solution (4.1.1) everything has the same form as (4.7.2) but in (4.1.1) the charge
density exists only on the conductor surface. Nevertheless, we represented that charge density as a
volume density, and only later in examples set that volume density to a surface distribution. Thus, the
parallel between the φ and the Az analysis is very close, not surprising in light of (1.3.11). Another
difference is that for φ the leading factor is 1/(4πξd) where ξd was the complex dielectric constant of the
dielectric. In (4.7.2) this factor is replaced by (μ1/4π) where μ1 is the magnetic permeability of the
conductor C1.
We next make the same assumption of separation of variables to write
Jz1(x,y,z) = b1(x,y) i1(z)

A/m2 1/m2 A (4.7.3)
where i1 is scaled such that
154
∫C dx dy b1(x,y) = 1 . (4.7.4)
1
As shown in the Technical Note below (4.1.5), even though b1(x,y) is in general a complex function with
a phase which varies with x,y, we can always find a partition (4.7.3) such that (4.7.4) is true. As that same
Technical Note points out, we expect Jz1(x,y,z) inside a conductor to have a phase which varies as x and
y vary over the conductor cross section, just the way E(r) of Chapter 2 has a variable phase. For this
reason, we cannot partition the current so that b1(x,y) is a purely real function as we could with α1(x,y).
Function b1(x,y) describes the distribution of the current density across the conductor C1 cross section. At
DC this density is a uniform constant, but at higher ω the density becomes non-uniform in two ways.
First, it becomes concentrated away from the central region due to the skin effect. Second it is non-
uniform in that it tends to concentrate on the portion of conductor C1 which is closest to conductor C2. In
the corresponding equation ρ1(x,y,z) = α1(x,y) q1(z) of (4.1.2), α1(x,y) exists only on the conductor
surface, and is generally non-uniform in the second sense noted above for b1(x,y).
As before, we can now interpret i1(z) as the total current in C1 at z. Again assuming that there is no net
superposed radiating antenna current, we have equal and opposite currents in the two conductors so the
line is a balanced line, and then
i2(z) = - i1(z) = -i(z) . (4.7.5)
This then leads to
μ1 e-jβdR
∫-∞ dz' i(z') ∫C dx' dy' b1(x',y') R .
∞
Az1(x,y,z) = 4π (4.7.6)
1
Note: In the ω domain, Jz1(x,y,z) is complex with a position-dependent phase, as for example in the plot
of Ez = Jz/σ shown in Fig 2.8. Thus, b1(x,y) is complex and has a position-dependent phase. This does
not stop us from allocating the phase between the two terms in (4.7.3) so that the integral of b1(x,y) is
unity as in (4.7.4). One ends up then with i1(z) having some phase that in general is non-zero.
Comments regarding μ
This is a subtle subject and is not discussed in King's transmission line theory book. In this section we
regard conductor C1 as having parameters ε1, μ1 while the dielectric outside the conductor has εd and μd.
Before dealing with Az and μ, it is useful to start with φ and ε. Our Helmholtz integral solution for φ at a
point x in the dielectric, expressed for a single conductor C1, can be written as follows based on (1.5.13),
1
φ(x,ω) = 4πε
d
∫ C1
e-jβdR
ns(x',ω) R dS' . R = |x - x'| (1.5.13)
155
The potential φ is continuous at the boundary, but ∂nφ is not continuous, having a jump there, though this
fact is not obvious since we only have φ stated for x in the dielectric. We do know from (1.1.47) that,
[εaEan - εbE2b] = nfree . (1.1.47)
Letting a = dielectric and b = conductor, and with ^

n pointing out from the conductor, we translate this
equation to read,
εdEn,d - ε1En,c = ns (4.7.7)
where ns is the free surface charge appearing in (1.5.13). According to (4.7.1) we can set transverse Ai
components to zero, so then (1.3.1) which says E = - grad φ - jωA tells us that En = -∂nφ. We then have
εd (-∂nφ(x+)) - ε1 (-∂nφ(x-)) = ns(x) (4.7.8)
where x+ is just outside the conductor surface and x- is just inside. From this result one can compute the
discontinuity or jump in ∂nφ at the conductor boundary. If εd = ε1 = ε0, then ∂nφ(x+) - ∂nφ(x- ) = -ns/ε0,
for example.
Normally, however, En,c ≈ 0 so (4.7.7) reads εdEn,d = ns and then En,d = ns/εd is the normal E field
in the dielectric just outside the conductor. And since En,c ≈ 0, we have φ(x,ω) ≈ constant inside the
conductor, so we are generally not interested in finding a version of (1.5.13) that is valid inside the
conductor. We just evaluate (1.5.13) at the surface for some x+ and that gives φ inside the conductor.
Thus, the Helmholtz integral (1.5.13) provides our full solution of interest, and we have no homogeneous
adder terms to worry about of the type discussed below. Another interpretation is that ns(x) just assumes
whatever value is needed to make (4.7.8) be valid.
With this as warm up, we now consider the case of Az and μ. Our Helmholtz integral solution for Az at a
point x in the dielectric, expressed for a single conductor C1, can be written as follows based on (4.7.2),
μ1
Az1(x,ω) = 4π ∫ C1
e-jβdR
Jz1(x',y',z',ω) R dx'dy'dz' . R = |x - x'| (4.7.2)
where μ1 is for the conductor C1. The potential Az1 is continuous at the boundary but ∂nAz1 is not
continuous, having a jump.
Appendix D.9 shows that there is a miniscule free surface current KzD which flows on the surface of a
transmission line conductor, which we call the Debye surface current. It is ns being moved by Ez at the
surface. Although ns is significant from the point of view of the En,d field it creates in the dielectric, its
effective 3D density is tiny compared to the density of conduction electrons in the conductor. Equation
(D.9.3) shows that the Debye current contribution to the above integral is totally negligible relative to
bulk current contribution, so the left side of (4.7.2) is unchanged if we completely ignore this Debye
current contribution to Jz. Thus, we are in effect setting KzD = 0 in this well-justified approximation. We
may then apply (1.1.46) to find that
156
(1/μd) (∂nAz1(x+)) - (1/μ1) (∂nAz1(x-)) = 0 . (1.1.46)
Thus we arrive at these boundary conditions on Az1 produced by conductor C1 :
Az1(x+) = Az1(x-)
(1/μd) ∂nAz1(x+) = (1/μ1) ∂nAz1(x-) (4.7.9)
where again x+ is just outside the conductor surface and x- is just inside.
If μ1 = μd, there is no "magnetic boundary" at the surface, and (4.7.9) says ∂nAz1(x+) = ∂nAz1(x-), so
both the function Az1 and its normal derivative are continuous through the boundary -- nothing special is
happening there. Thus, the Helmholtz integral solution (4.7.2) provides the whole solution for Az1 in both
the dielectric and conductor since it meets both "boundary conditions" at this pseudo boundary.
If on the other hand we have μ1 ≠ μd, then there is a magnetic boundary between conductor and
dielectric which we have to worry about. In this case, (4.7.2) applied in both dielectric and conductor
cannot possibly satisfy the second boundary condition of (4.7.9) since, as already noted, the Az1 of (4.7.2)
satisfies ∂nAz1(x+) = ∂nAz1(x+). Thus, in this case (4.7.2) is not the full solution for Az1. One must add a
homogeneous Helmholtz equation solution to (4.7.2) in order to have a proper solution for Az1 that
satisfies both equations in (4.7.9).
It turns out that the correct total Az1 solution can be generated by adding a certain fictitious surface
current term to μ1Jz1 in (4.7.2). Since such a surface current vanishes on both sides of the boundary
between μd and μ1, the Helmholtz solution due just to this surface current term is in fact a homogeneous
solution to the Helmholtz equation in both the conductor and dielectric regions, away from that boundary.
It turns out moreover that the correct fictitious surface current to add is in fact the magnetization surface
current Jm which is created at the boundary between μd ≠ μ1. Adding this surface current is just a "trick"
in order to generate the correct homogeneous adder solution so that the resulting total Az1 satisfies both
boundary conditions in (4.7.9). Formally speaking, the Ji appearing in (1.5.4) and then Jz1 in (4.7.2)
should not include such magnetization currents since this J is really the J in Maxwell's equation curl H =
∂tD + J, and this J does not include magnetization currents -- it includes only normal conduction
currents.
In our current Chapter 4, we want (4.7.2) to represent the complete solution for Az1 and for that
reason we must restrict our analysis to the situation where dielectric and all conductors have the same
permeability which we shall just call μd. In practice, one normally has μd = μ1 = μ0. In order to handle the
more general case of μd ≠ μ1, we have to deal with the inhomogeneous adder solutions or equivalently
with the abovementioned fictitious surface current, and this complicates our analysis which is already
quite complicated. So, for the moment, we now make the same assumption made by King and other
authors:
Fact: From now on, conductors and dielectric must have the same permeability μd. (4.7.10)
After fully developing this special case, we extend the theory in Section 4.13 to allow for μd ≠ μ1.
There are several Appendices which relate to this subject :
157
Appendix G shows for the round wire how the inhomogeneous adder solution is found and how it then
causes the boundary conditions (4.7.9) to be met when μ1 ≠ μd. However, in Appendix G the notation is
different: 1 = dielectric and 2 = conductor, so that μ1 ≠ μd → μ2 ≠ μ1 .
Appendix B shows how the addition of a fictitious surface current term μ0Jm provides an alternate and
simpler solution to the same problem of meeting boundary conditions (4.7.9) when μ1 ≠ μd. It then shows
exactly how this works in the special case of a round wire (same notation as Appendix G).
4.8 Computation of potential Az due to both conductors of a transmission line
We now write the potential at an arbitrary point x in the dielectric due to both conductors C1 and C2. We
accept the requirement of (4.7.10) and require that all conductors have the same μ as the dielectric, so
then μ1 = μ2 = μd. Then,
Az12(x) = Az1(x) + Az2(x) =
μd e-jβdR1 e-jβdR2
∫-∞ dz' i(z') { ∫C dx1' dy1' b1(x1',y1') R1 – ∫C dx2' dy2' b2(x2',y2') R2 }
∞
4π 1 2
The picture going with the above equation is identical to Fig 4.1 [below (4.2.1)] except the points x1' and
x2' can be in the interior of the conductors, not just on the boundary of the conductors.
4.9 Transmission Line Limit Revisited
Section 4.3 discussed the so-called transmission line limit of small βd in the context of the scalar potential
φ. The flow of that section applies to Az with the following substitutions:
1 μ
q(z) → i(z) αi → b i φ12 → Az12 4πξ → 4π .
The conclusion is that in the transmission line limit (small βd, long wavelength λ = 2π/βd) one may write
μd 1 1
∫-∞ dz'{ ∫C ∫C
∞
Az12(x) = 4π i(z) dx1' dy1' b1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' b2(x2',y2') R } (4.9.1)
1 1 2 2
which is analogous to (4.3.10). Also, in analogy with (4.3.8) we write for a lossless line,
i(z) = i(0) e-jβdz // i(z,t) = i(0,0) ej(ωt-βdz) (4.9.2)
and for a lossy line
158
i(z) = i(0) e-jkz // i(z,t) = i(0,0) ej(ωt-kz) (4.9.3)
as explained in the discussion leading up to (4.3.11).
4.10 General Calculation of W(z)
As before, we now introduce the two new points x1 and x2. The point x1 lies on C1 in the z = z plane,
while x2 lies on C2 in this same plane. We then evaluate Az12(x) at x = x1 and subtract from that Az12(x)
at x = x2 and in this way we obtain the Az potential difference between the surfaces of the two conductors
at z = z which we shall call W(z). Recall,
Fact 5: On each conductor boundary, Az ≈ constant in the extreme or strong skin effect regimes. (3.7.20)
Thus, assuming the small δ regime and treating Az ≈ constant as an equality, the Az potential difference
will be independent of the locations of x2 and x1 as long as they are on their respective surfaces and both
have z = z. For this reason, the Az potential difference is a function only of z. Thus we write, using two
copies of (4.9.1),
W(z) ≡ Az12(x1) - Az12(x2)
μd 1 1
∫-∞ dz' { ∫C ∫C
∞
= 4π i(z) dx1' dy1' b1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' b2(x2',y2') R }
1 11 2 12
μd 1 1
∫-∞ dz' { ∫C ∫C
∞
– 4π i(z) dx1' dy1' b1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' b2(x2',y2') R } (4.10.1)
1 21 2 22
where

R212 = (x2-x1')2 + (y2-y1')2 + (z-z')2 = s212 + (z-z')2 s212 = (x2-x1')2 + (y2-y1')2 . (4.10.2)
The picture going with the above equation is identical to Fig 4.2 [below (4.4.2)] except, once again, the
points x1' and x2' can be in the interior of the conductors, not just on the surface of the conductors. Also,
we replace the figure's double arrow label V(z) with W(z). We then reorder the four terms to get
W(z) (4.10.3)
μd 1 1 1 1
= 4π i(z) ∫ dz' { ∫ dx1' dy1' b1(x1',y1') ( R - R ) - ∫ dx2' dy2' b2(x2',y2') (R - R ) } .
∞
-∞ C1 11 21 C2 12 22
The dz' integrals are the same as those done in Section 4.4 and we then arrive at
159
μd
W(z) = i(z) 4π { ∫ dx1' dy1' b1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫ dx2' dy2' b2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) }
C1 C2
s212 = (x2-x1')2 + (y2-y1')2 s222 = (x2-x2')2 + (y2-y2')2 (4.10.4)

s112 = (x1-x1')2 + (y1-y1')2 s122 = (x1-x2')2 + (y1-y2')2
which is analogous to (4.4.6) for V(z). The corresponding drawing is analogous to Fig 4.3 where, once
again, the integration points x1' and x2' are inside the conductor :
Fig 4.10
Equation (4.10.4) expresses the Az potential between the two transmission line conductors at some plane
z in terms of the current distributions bi within the conductors.
Now, the Stokes theorem applied to B = curl A says
curl A = B ⇔ ∫
{ A • ds = ∫S B • dS . (1.1.39)
Consider the red loop shown in this top view of the two transmission line conductors. The loop is
intended to have a tiny width dz, and the top view obscures the fact that each conductor has an arbitrary
cross section. The loop makes contact with the points x1 and x2 shown in the previous figure,
Fig 4.11
160
Since we neglect any transverse components of A, the Stokes theorem says
[Az1(top) - Az2(bottom) ] dz = [ magnetic flux through red loop] = ∫S B • dS . (4.10.5)
If we regard the two short dz length conductor pieces as forming a tiny "inductor", closed on the ends by
the vertical red lines, we can use this definition of inductance to compute the inductance of that inductor:
[magnetic flux through red loop] = (Ledz) i(z) . (4.10.6)
Here (Ledz) is the inductance of our tiny loop, so Le is the transmission line inductance per unit length.
We know (as in Appendix C) that there will be magnetic flux inside the conductors as well as between
them, and for that reason Le as defined here only accounts for the "external" inductance of the
transmission line, again see Appendix C.
Since [Az1(top) - Az2(bottom) ] = W(z) according to (4.10.1), we may combine (4.10.5) and (4.10.6)
to obtain
W(z) = Le i(z) . (4.10.7)
Therefore from (4.10.4) we have found that
W(z) μd
Le = i(z) = 4π KL (4.10.8)
where KL is the following dimensionless number,
KL ≡ ∫C dx1' dy1' b1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫

C2
dx2' dy2' b2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) . (4.10.9)
1
This number is reminiscent of the dimensionless real number K obtained in Section 4.4,
K ≡ ∫C dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫

C2
dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) . (4.4.8)
1
As noted in the comments after (4.7.4), the transverse current density b1(x,y) is in general complex and
not real, just based on the fact that we know that the skin effect warps current phase as a function of r
from Chapter 2. For this reason, it would appear that the integral KL might be complex as well. In an
integral of a complex function, it is possible for the imaginary part to cancel out. That seems to be the
case with KL, since we will later show in (4.12.20) that KL = K and K is real. Thus, Le is also real.
161
4.11 Relations involving C and G and the charges and currents in a transmission line
Before continuing our development of the transmission line equations, we need to establish the
connections between parameters C and G and the charges and currents in a transmission line Then we
resume the development in Section 4.12.
Consider this picture showing a section of a transmission line of length dz :
Fig 4.12
We focus on the upper conductor C1. Over the distance dz, the current i(z) in this conductor is reduced by
amount - di(z) = i(z) - i(z+dz) > 0 by the fact that current flows transversely to feed the surface charge qs
and to feed the conductance G between the conductors.
Since the blue Gaussian box embedded just inside the upper conductor contains no free charge, we know
from (1.1.35) that div J = 0 and ∫S J • dS = 0. The latter means that the sum of all currents crossing the
box boundary is 0. Thus,
- di(z) = iG(z) + is(z) . " current loss feeds capacitance and conductance" (4.11.1)
The two currents may be written
iG(z) = [Gdz] V(z) // iG flows through the dielectric (4.11.2)
is(z) = jω[qs(z)dz] . // is feeds the true surface charge per length qs (4.11.3)
The section of dielectric has some transverse resistance Rt = 1/[Gdz] and then iG(z) =V(z)/Rt. Quantity G
is the conductance of the dielectric per unit length of the transmission line. The true total surface charge
162
per length is qs and is feeds this charge according to is(z) = jω[qs(z)dz] ( is = ∂t[qsdz] in the time
domain). But we know for the dz-length capacitor that qs(z) = CV(z) where C is the capacitance per
length. Then (4.11.1) can be written
- di(z) = iG(z) + is(z) = [Gdz] V(z) + jω[CV(z)dz] = [ G + jωC ] V(z)dz . (4.11.4)
Dividing by dz and taking dz→0 then gives,
∂zi(z) = - [ G + jωC ] V(z) . (4.11.5)
This is in fact one of the two "transmission line equations" we shall be deriving below.
Quantity qs(z) is the true surface charge (per length) at location z. Corresponding to this charge is the so-
called transport charge (per unit length) qc(z), where
qc(z) = (ξd/εd)qs(z) (4.11.6)
as shown in (1.5.17). Here qs and qc are the integrals of the corresponding surface charge densities ns
and qs over the surface of the C1 conductor section shown in Fig 4.12. The transport charge density qc is
larger than qs because it accounts for both the surface charge and the charge lost due to leakage into the
dielectric, as described in Section 1.5. The two charges are related to the real and complex capacitances in
this manner
qs(z) = C V(z) C = real capacitance (per length) (4.11.7)

qc(z) = C'V(z) C' = complex capacitance including effect of G (per length) (4.11.8)
where the second line really defines the complex capacitance C' . Therefore using (4.11.6) and (1.5.1c) for
ξ d,
C'/C = qc(z)/qs(z) = (ξd/εd) = [εd - jσd/ω]/ εd = 1 + (1/jω) (σd/εd) (4.11.9a)

or
C' = C + (C/jω) (σd/εd) (4.11.9b)
or
jωC' = C(σd/εd) + jωC . (4.11.9c)
The current feeding the transport charge in the transmission line section of length dz is given by
ic(z) = is(z) + iG(z) (4.11.10)
where
ic(z) = jω [qc(z)dz] . // ic = ∂t[qcdz] in the time domain (4.11.11)
Using (4.11.8) this says
163
ic(z) = jω [C'V(z)dz] . (4.11.12)
Then (4.11.10) and (4.11.4) imply
jω [C'V(z)dz] = [ G + jωC ] V(z)dz (4.11.13)
so that
jωC' = G + jωC . (4.11.14)
Comparing this with (4.11.9c) shows that
G = C(σd/εd) (4.11.15)
which is an interesting relationship between G and C for a transmission line with arbitrary conductor
shapes. We saw this relationship just below (1.5.20) for the special case of a parallel plate capacitor.
Finally, were we to assume that transmission line quantities all have the simple z dependence e-jkz
(implying a traveling wave ej(ωt-kz) ), then starting with (4.11.5),
∂zi(z) = - [ G + jωC ] V(z) (4.11.5)
-jk i(z) = - jωC' V(z) // e-jkz dependence and (4.11.14)

or
i(z) = (ω/k) C' V(z)
or
i(z) = qc(z) (ω/k) // using (4.11.8)
or
i(z) = qc(z) v . // v ≡ (ω/k) , e-jkz assumed (4.11.16)
In the last line we use the fact that v ≡ (ω/k) is the complex phase velocity of the wave ej(ωt-kz). This
last equation can be interpreted as saying that the total current i(z) acts as if the transport charge qc(z)
were traveling at speed v down the transmission line. If G = 0, then ξd = εd and qc = qs . Furthermore, if
ω is large, then k = βd0 = ω μdεd = ω/vd [ see (1.5.1b) ] where vd is the speed of light in the dielectric.
In this case one finds that
i(z) = qs(z) vd . G = 0 and large ω (4.11.17)
Again, one has the illusion that the current i(z) consists of the surface charge qs(z) moving at vd. Since vd
is some large fraction of the the speed of light, we know that the surface charge electrons are not really
flowing down the line at such a speed (they flow a few mm per second). This interesting issue is
addressed in Appendix D.9 (c).
164
4.12 The Classical Transmission Line Equations
The results of the Sections 4.1 through 4.10 of this chapter may be succinctly summarized as:
(4.12.1)
1 V(z) 1
C' = q(z) = 4πξd K (4.4.7)
W(z) μd
Le = i(z) = 4π KL (4.10.8)
K ≡ ∫C dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫

C2
dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) (4.4.8)
1
KL ≡ ∫C dx1' dy1' b1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫

C2
dx2' dy2' b2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) (4.10.9)
1
Notice that we have made no assumptions whatsoever about the cross-sectional shape of the transmission
line. We have only assumed that the transverse dimensions are small compared to the wavelength λ that
corresponds to βd -- this was the transmission line limit.
(a) Initial Processing
There are several equations from Chapter 1 we shall now press into service:
E = - grad φ - ∂tA (1.3.1)

div A = - μdεd ∂tφ - μdσdφ . // the King gauge (1.3.18)
In the frequency domain these become,
E = - grad φ - jωA
div A = - j (βd2/ω) φ . // the King gauge, see (1.5.5) (4.12.2)
According to Fact (4.7.1), potential A has only component Az, so these equations become
Ez(x) = - ∂zφ(x) - jωAz(x)

∂zAz(x) = - j (βd2/ω) φ(x) . (4.12.3)
However, as was shown at the end of Step 1 below (3.7.8), the second line of (4.12.3) can only be
justified in the strong or extreme skin effect regimes, and we continue then to assume our transmission
line is operating at sufficiently high ω to be in the small δ regime.
The potentials in the above equations are those due to both conductors and were denoted as φ12 and Az12
in the previous sections. We then rewrite the above as
165
Ez(x) = - ∂zφ12(x) - jωAz12(x) (4.12.4a)

∂zAz12(x) = - j (βd2/ω)φ12(x) . (4.12.4b)
Recall now the conductor-surface-located points x1 and x2 as shown for example in Fig 4.10. If we
evaluate each of the above equations at x = x1 and then x = x2 and then subtract, we get
Ez(x1) - Ez(x2) = -∂z[φ12(x1) - φ12(x2)] - jω[Az12(x1) - Az12(x2)] (4.12.5a)

∂z[Az12(x1) - Az12(x2)] = - j (β2/ω)[φ12(x1) - φ12(x2)] . (4.12.5b)
Then using these definitions (again, we are assuming the strong or extreme skin depth regime),
V(z) ≡ φ12(x1) - φ12(x2) (4.4.1)

W(z) ≡ Az12(x1) - Az12(x2) (4.10.1)
we may rewrite (4.12.5) in this simple manner,
Ez(x1) - Ez(x2) = - ∂zV - jωW (4.12.6a)

∂zW = - j (βd2/ω) V . (4.12.6b)
The quantity Ez(x1) is the longitudinal electric field at point x1 on the surface of conductor C1. It is
related to the conductor's at-the-surface current density by Jz(x1) = σEz(x1). If the conductor were
"perfect", we would have σ = ∞ and Ez(x1) = 0, but real conductors are not perfect. However, since we
are assuming the strong or extreme skin effect all along here in our analysis, we do know that Ez(x1) and
Ez(x2) are very small.
(b) Averaging Repair and the Transmission Line Equations
Our theory now has an inconsistency which needs to be fixed.
We know that for a general transmission line operating at ω > 0, the current density Jz inside the
conductors will not be uniformly distributed. It will be larger in the conductor region closest to the other
conductor. This "proximity effect" is discussed in Appendix P from an eddy current point of view, see Fig
P.13 for an example. The Jz current non-uniformity can be very dramatic as for example in a transmission
line having this cross section, where Jz will be large near the gap and small far from the gap:
Fig 4.13
Since Jz is non-uniform in each conductor, so is Ez, and so we expect Ez(x1) to be a strong function of the
point x1 on the perimeter of C1, certainly for the above cross section example. This means that the left
side of (4.12.6a) is a function of x1 = (x1,y1,z) and x2 = (x2,y2,z) whereas the right side in our theory is a
function only of z. To remedy this inconsistency, we now have to think of V and W as having very slight
dependence on x1 and x2 which we generally ignore, but which we must face up to in (4.12.6a). In reality
we have V(x1,x2) and W(x1,x2). This is a manifestation of the fact that in reality φ ≈ constant and Az ≈
166
constant on the boundaries (with ≈ and not = ). In the extreme skin effect regime (think a very good
conductor), the left side of (4.12.6a) can be a violent function of x1 and x2 as in the case of the above
figure, but the left side is always very small, even where it is largest, and its variation can be
accommodated by the right side of (4.12.6a) which is the difference of large-valued functions which vary
only slightly with x1 and x2. So first rewrite (4.12.6a) as
Ez(x1) - Ez(x2) = - ∂z V(x1,x2) - jω W(x1,x2) . (4.12.6a)'
Backing up another step, we write out of (4.12.4a) for the two perimeter points x1 and x2,
(1/σ)Jz(x1) = Ez(x1) = - ∂zφ12(x1) - jωAz12(x1) x1 on perimeter of C1

(1/σ)Jz(x2) = Ez(x2) = - ∂zφ12(x2) - jωAz12(x2) . x2 on perimeter of C2 (4.12.4a)'
Calling the perimeter distances of the conductors P1 and P2, we then average each of these equations
around its appropriate perimeter. Apply (1/P1) ∫C1 ds1 to the first equation and (1/P2) ∫C1 ds2 to the
second to get [ ds1 is a distance element along the perimeter of C1 ] ,
(1/σ)<Jz(x1)>C1 = <Ez(x1) >C1 = - ∂z<φ12(x1) >C1 - jω<Az12(x1) >C1

(1/σ)<Jz(x2)>C2 = <Ez(x2) >C2 = - ∂z<φ12(x2) >C2 - jω<Az12(x2) >C2 .
Subtract the second line from the first to get,
[<Ez(x1) >C1 - <Ez(x2) >C2]

= - ∂z[<φ12(x1) >C1 - <φ12(x2) >C2] - jω [<Az12(x1) >C1 - <Az12(x2) >C2 ] .
We now redefine V and W to be the averages appearing in these equations, along with Ez1 and Ez2 :
Ez1(z) ≡ <Ez(x1) >C1 = (1/P1) ∫C1 ds1 Ez(x1)

Ez2(z) ≡ <Ez(x2) >C2 = (1/P2) ∫C2 ds2 Ez(x2)
V(z) ≡ <φ12(x1) >C1 - <φ12(x2) >C2 = <V(x1,x2)>C1,C2

W(z) ≡ <Az12(x1) >C1 - <Az12(x2) >C2 = <W(x1,x2)>C1,C2 (4.12.7)
with this result
[Ez1(z) - Ez2(z)] = - ∂z V(z) - jω W(z) . (4.12.8)
Meanwhile, the surface impedances on C1 and C2 are defined by (see C.2.1) ,
Ez1(x1) = Zs1(x1) i1(z)

Ez2(x2) = Zs2(x2) i2(z) (C.2.1)
167
which we average in the same way to obtain
Ez1(z) = Zs1 i1(z) Zs1 ≡ (1/P1) ∫C1 ds1 Zs1(x1)
Ez2(z) = Zs2 i2(z) Zs2 ≡ (1/P2) ∫C2 ds2 Zs2(x2) . (4.12.9)
There will be some location on C1 where Ez1(x1) and thus Zs1(x1) will be maximal (for example on the
walls of the gap in Fig 4.13). Referring to this value as Zs1,max we can define
p1 ≡ (Zs1/Zs1,max) P1
p2 ≡ (Zs2/Zs2,max) P2 (4.12.10)
where p1 is the effective length of the "active perimeter" of C1. This then provides a crude model for the
symbol p which appears in (2.5.1) and Fig 2.16 which we replicate here,
Now using i(z) = i1(z) = -i2(z) and (4.12.9), rewrite (4.12.8) and (4.12.6b) as
[Zs1 + Zs2] i(z) = - ∂z V(z) - jω W(z)

∂zW(z) = - j (βd2/ω) V(z) (4.12.11)
where the second equation above is the < >C1,C2 average of (4.12.6b).
Continuing this repair effort, we back up to box (4.12.1) and write
1
V(x1,x2) = q(z) / C'(x1,x2) = q(z) [ 4πξ K(x1,x2) ]
d
μ
W(x1,x2) = i(z) Le(x1,x2) = i(z) [ 4π KL(x1,x2)] (4.12.12)
which we average in the same way to get

1
V(z) = q(z) C' W(z) = i(z) Le
C' ≡ (1/P1) ∫C1 ds1 (1/P2)∫C2 ds2 C'(x1,x2)

1 1 1
= < >
C'(x1,x2) C1,C2
Le ≡ (1/P1) ∫C1 ds1 (1/P2)∫C2 ds2 Le(x1,x2) = < Le(x1,x2)>C1,C2 . (4.12.13)
168
The "constants" K and KL in (4.12.1) are similarly replaced with their <>C1,C2 averages.
In the discussion below, we shall no longer mention the averaging process, but it should be understood
that for closely spaced conductors the symbols Zs1, Zs1, Le, C', K, KL, V, W are the perimeter-averaged
values discussed above. For widely spaced conductors, Jz is roughly uniform over the conductor cross
sections and perimeters and the averaging process is not needed. The whole subject of averaging is
reviewed in more detail in Appendix S.
Inserting the equations on the first line of (4.12.13) into (4.12.11) we get
(Zs1 + Zs2) i(z) = - ∂zV(z) - jω Le i(z)

Le ∂z i(z) = - j (βd2/ω) V(z)
which we then rearrange as
∂zV(z) = - [ Zs1+ Zs2+ jωLe] i(z)

∂z i(z) = - [ jβd2/(ωLe)] V(z) . (4.12.14)
These are the classical transmission line equations. They are usually written in this form: [ ∂/∂z = d/dz]
dV(z) di(z)
dz = - z i(z) dz = - y V(z) (4.12.15)
where
z = Zs1+ Zs2+ jωLe = R + jωL // z and R are ohms/m

y = jβd2/(ωLe) = G +jωC = jωC' . // y and G are mhos/m (4.12.16)
Note: We have been using bold notation only for vectors, and we now break that guideline by bolding
these complex quantities z and y. Our purpose for this bolding is to distinguish them from Cartesian
coordinates z and y which typically appear in the same problem. In King's books, all complex parameters
are put in bold font, but we do this only for z and y.
The quantities z and y are called the transmission line impedance and admittance. On the right we have
partitioned the expressions for z and y into their real and imaginary parts in terms of four real parameters
R,L,G and C.
Parameters R and L are defined to be the resistance and inductance of the transmission line (per unit
length). When ω = 0, R = Rdc = the total DC resistance of both transmission line conductors, but when ω
is large this is no longer true. One can associate this fact with the skin effect which displaces current away
from the conductor's central region
Comparing the right equation in (4.12.15) to (4.11.5), we may immediately interpret the real
parameters C and G as the capacitance and conductance of the transmission line (per unit length) as
discussed in Section 4.11. The fact that G +jωC = jωC' has been shown in (4.11.14), where C' is the
complex capacitance (per unit length) of the transmission line.
169
If one applies ∂z to either equation in (4.12.15) and then uses the other, one obtains these corresponding
wave equations (but in the ω domain, so they are really Helmholtz equations),
d2V(z) d2i(z)
dz2 - zy V(z) = 0 dz2 - zy i(z) = 0 . (4.12.17)
We refer to (4.12.15) as the first order transmission line equations, and (4.12.17) as the second order
transmission line equations.
Jumping the gun a bit, if we assume now a traveling-wave z dependence ej(ωt-kz) for both V(z) and i(z),
where k is the wave's (possibly complex) wavenumber, then ∂z → -jk and the transmission line equations
(4.12.15) become
-jk V(z) = - z i(z) and -jk i(z) = - y V(z)

or
-jk = - z i(z)/V(z) and -jk = - y V(z)/i(z) .
Equating these last two expressions gives
- z i(z)/V(z) = - y V(z)/i(z) => z/y = [V(z)/i(z)]2
and we then have,
z R + jωL
Z0 ≡ V(z)/i(z) = = G + jωC (4.12.18)
y
where by definition Z0 is the characteristic impedance of the transmission line. Obviously Z0 is

completely different from z even though both are referred to as an impedance.
Looking at (4.12.16) we see that
jωC' = jβd2/(ωLe)
so
LeC' = (βd/ω)2 = μdξd // using (1.5.1a) (4.12.19)
LeC = μdεd = 1/vd2 . // using (4.11.9a) that C'/C = (ξd/εd) and then (1.1.29)
Recall now from summary box (4.12.1) that
1 V(z) 1
C' = q(z) = 4πξd K => C' = 4πξd/K (4.4.7)
W(z) μd
Le = i(z) = 4π KL (4.10.8) (4.12.1)
Inserting these expressions into (4.12.19) that [Le][C'] = μdξd gives
170
μd
[ 4π KL ] [4πξd/K] = μdξd
or
KL = K . (4.12.20)
This is a remarkable connection between our two seemingly unrelated constants K and KL,
K ≡ ∫C dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫

C2
dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) (4.4.8)
1
KL ≡ ∫C dx1' dy1' b1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫

C2
dx2' dy2' b2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) . (4.10.9)
1
Since K involves a peripheral line integral of surface charge densities αi whereas KL involves a full cross
sectional area integral of the current densities bi, it seems unlikely these integrals would be equal, but
they are equal.
(c) An example of K = KL
The equality even seems unlikely in a case with symmetric densities on round wires, so let's do a check
using our Section 4.5 example with widely-spaced round wires of unequal diameters. The first thing we
need is a new picture to display the "kinematics" of the KL integral (since densities are symmetric, one
should regard this picture as having b much larger than shown relative to a1 and a2),
Fig 4.14
As before, we read off the four distances of interest using the law of cosines. The new distances are all
different from before since x1' and x2' are now each integrated over their respective disks instead of the
bounding circles.
s212 = r12 + (b-a1)2 - 2 r1(b-a1) cos(θ1)

s112 = r12 + a12 - 2 r1 a1 cos(θ1)
s222 = r22 + a22 + 2 r2 a2 cos(θ2)
s122 = r22 + (b-a2)2 + 2 r2(b-a2) cos(θ2) .
The integration rule is still
171
∫0
2π
The first integral is:
∫0 ∫0
2π 2π
dθ1 ln(s212) = dθ1ln([r12 + (b-a1)2 - 2 r1(b-a1) cos(θ1)]
A = r12 + (b-a1)2 B = 2 r1(b-a1)
A2-B2 = [r12 + (b-a1)2]2 - 4 r12(b-a1)2 = [r12 - (b-a1)2]2 => A2-B2 = (b-a1)2- r12 > 0 b >> a1
∫0
2π
=> dθ1 ln(s212) = 2π ln[(1/2)( r12 + (b-a1)2 + (b-a1)2 - r12 ) = 2π ln[(b-a1)2]
But this integral is the same as before! The s112 integral is obtained from the above with b-a1→a1
∫0
2π
dθ1 ln(s112) = 2π ln(a12)
which is also the same as before. The other two integrals are found from 1→ 2. Our integral summary is
then exactly the same as (4.5.6),
∫0
2π
dθ1 ln(s212) = 2π ln[(b-a1)2]
∫0
2π
dθ1 ln(s112) = 2π ln(a12)
∫0
2π
dθ2 ln(s222) = 2π ln(a22)
∫0
2π
dθ2 ln(s122) = 2π ln[(b-a2)2] . (4.5.6)
We now assume that the current densities bi each have radial symmetry ("widely spaced wires") ,
b1(r1,θ1) = b1(r1) (4.12.21)
where b1(r1) is a completely arbitrary function, with the following normalization of (4.7.4),
∫0 ∫0a1 r1dr1 b1(r1) = 1 ∫0a1 r1dr1 b1(r1) = 1/2π

2π
dθ1 => . (4.12.22)
We now proceed to calculate the constant KL
172
∫0 ∫0a1 r1dr1 b1(r1) ln(s212/s112) - ∫0

2π 2π
KL = dθ1 dθ2 r2dr2 b2(r2) ln(s222/s122)
∫0a1 r1dr1 b1(r1) ∫0 ∫0a2 r2dr2b2(r2) ∫0

2π 2π
= dθ1 ln(s212/s112) - dθ2 ln(s222/s122)
= 2π ∫0a1 r1dr1 b1(r1) [ln[(b-a1)2]- ln(a12)] - ∫0a2 r2dr2b2(r2) [ ln[(b-a2)2] - ln(a22)]
= 2π [ln[(b-a1)2/a12] ∫0a1 r1dr1 b1(r1) - 2π [ln[(b-a2)2/a22] ∫0a2 r2dr2 b2(r2)
= [ln[(b-a1)2/a12] - [ln[(b-a2)2/a22]
(b-a1)2(b-a2)2
= ln [ a12a22 ]
=K as obtained in (4.5.7), third last line (4.12.23)
and we have then shown KL = K for this particular example. The key fact is that the dθ integrals appear to
be functions of ri , but the ri2 terms cancel and so the dθ integrals are independent of ri.
The summary of results on the next page includes a few items not yet derived, as indicated by references.
It seemed good to gather it all in one place.
173
(d) Summary of Results
Classical Transmission Line Equations and Parameters (ω domain) (4.12.24)
K ≡ ∫C dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫

C2
dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) (4.4.8)
1
KL ≡ ∫C dx1' dy1' b1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫

C2
dx2' dy2' b2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) , (4.10.9)
1
K = KL real and dimensionless (4.12.20)
dV(z) d
dz = - z i(z) ( dz2 - zy) V(z) = 0 z = R + jωL transmission line equations
di(z) d
dz = - yV(z) (dz2 - zy) i(z) = 0 y = G +jωC (4.12.15,16 and 17)
z = Zs1 + Zs2 + jωLe (4.12.16) XL ≡ ωLe , XC ≡ 1/(ωC)

y = jωC' = jωC + G (4.12.16) G = (σd/εd)C (4.11.15)
R = Re(Zs1+ Zs2) L = Le + (1/ω) Im(Zs1+ Zs2) = Le + Li // from above

μd
Le = 4π K (4.10.8) and (4.12.20)
C' = 4πξd/K (4.4.7) C' = (ξd/εd)C (4.11.9a)

C = 4πεd/K above two equations
G = 4πσd/K above and (4.4.10) G/C = σd/εd (4.4.10)
LeC' = μdξd (4.12.19)

LeC = μdεd = 1/vd2 (4.12.19)
z R + jωL
Z0 = = G + jωC (4.12.18) jk = zy = (R+jωL)(G+jωC) (5.3.6)
y
L Le
Z0 (large ω) ≈ C ≈ C = (1/4π) K μd/εd = (K/4π) Zm facts above; (4.4.14)
λ >> D (4.3.6) assumed transmission line limit where βd = 2π/λ
βd2 = μdεdω2 - jωμdσd = ω2μd ( εd - jσd/ω) = ω2μd ξd ξd ≡ εd - jσd/ω . (1.5.1a)
βd02 = ω2μdεd = (ω2/vd2) => βd0 = (ω/vd) (1.5.1b)
F(z)/F(0) = e-jkz = e-az e-jbz a ≡ -Im(k) = Re( zy ) = attenuation

jk = a+jb = zy k = -ja+b = -j zy b ≡ Re(k) = Im( zy ) = phase see (5.3.6)
174
Comments:
1. In Chapter 2 we computed the surface impedance Zs for a round wire in the case of axially symmetric
current and we found that, for large ω,
1
Zs(ω) ≈ σ(2πa)δ (1+j) (2.4.16)
δ ≡ 2/ωμσ = skin depth (2.2.20)
so that
1 μ
Zs(ω) ≈ 2πa 2σ (1+j) ω . (4.12.25)
Presumably the result will be Zs(ω) ~ ω for any conductor cross section shape. Then
L = Le + (1/ω) Im(Zs1+ Zs2) = Le + (stuff) 1/ ω → Le for large ω (4.12.26)
For this reason, the high frequency characteristic impedance Z0 can be written as shown in (4.12.24).
2. Conductors have internal inductance Li as well as external inductance Le. In Appendix C.3 (a) we
compute the low frequency internal inductance of a round wire to be Li = μ/8π = (μ/μ0) * 50 nH/m . Our
Chapter 4 transmission line development makes no mention of Li. This can be traced to Figure 4.11
where only the external magnetic flux is involved. In fact, Li is accounted for in the imaginary part of the
surface impedance Zs . For example, we found that for our round wire situation,
1 μ
μ
and here one sees that Ls = 8π = Li .
3. We have assumed that εd and μd are real. If not, the usual adjustments can be made in (4.12.24) for the
interpretations of R,L,G and C. See for example (3.3.4) concerning σ being replaced by σeff if ε has an
imaginary part.
4. Apart from the symmetric cases like the examples of Section 4.5 and 4.6, we do not yet have a way to
compute K and the transmission line parameters since the charge and current distributions αi and bi are
not known. This matter will be remedied in Chapter 5.
175
5. A strip transmission line of width w and separation s with s << w is the simplest example of the above
summary:
E = V/s n = εdE = εdV/s q = nw C = q/V = εdw/s => K = 4πεd/C = 4π(s/w)

so
C = 4πεd/K = εd (w/s) K = 4π (s/w)
G = 4πσd/K = σd (w/s)
Le = (μd/4π) K = μd (s/w)
Z0 ≈ (K / εrel ) 30Ω = 4π (s/w) (1/ εrel ) 30Ω = (s/w) (1/ εrel ) 377Ω (4.12.27)
(e) Time domain equations (telegraph equations)
The results above are all stated in the frequency domain, but it is a simple matter to convert them to the
time domain using jω ↔ ∂t. One then makes these replacements
z = R+jωL → L∂t + R
y = G+jωC → C∂t + G
zy = (R+jωL)( G+jωC) → (R + L∂t)( G + C∂t) = LC∂t2 + (LG+RC)∂t + RG . (4.12.28)
Here then are selected equations and their translations to the time domain:
Transmission Line Equations (4.12.14b) : [ coupled first order PDE's]
∂zV = - z i ⇒ ∂zV(z,t) = - L∂ti(z,t) - LR i(z,t)

∂z i = -y V ⇒ ∂z i(z,t) = - C∂tV(z,t) - CGV(z,t) (4.12.29)
Transmission Line Wave Equations (4.12.15) [ damped wave equations ]
( ∂z2 - zy) V(z) = 0 ⇒ [ ∂z2 - LC ∂t2 - (LG+RC)∂t - RG] V(z,t) = 0

( ∂z2 - zy) i(z) = 0 ⇒ [ ∂z2 - LC ∂t2 - (LG+RC)∂t - RG] i(z,t) = 0 (4.12.30)
If we set the loss parameters R and G both to 0 these equations become
∂zV(z,t) = -L∂ti(z,t) [ ∂z2 - LC ∂t2] V(z,t) = 0 [ undamped wave equations]

∂z i(z,t) = -C∂tV(z,t) [ ∂z2 - LC ∂t2] i(z,t) = 0 // lossless (4.12.31)
At large ω one has L ≈ Le (note 1 above) and since (4.12.19) says LeC = μdεd = 1/vd2 we conclude that
the factor LC appearing in the above wave equations is 1/vd2 where vd is the dielectric wave velocity.
The various transmission line equations shown above in the time domain are often referred to as
telegraph (telegrapher, telegrapher's) equations. See wiki.
176
4.13 Modifications to account for μd ≠ μ1 ≠ μ2
These modifications only affect the Az and W(z) part of this chapter, not the first six sections which are
concerned with φ and V(z). So changes start with Section 4.7.
If the equality μd = μ1 = μ2 assumed in Section 4.7 is broken, the result is that surface magnetization
currents appear on one or both of the conductor surfaces and these cause an alteration of the theory.
Thanks to the "Jm Theorem" proven in Appendix B, this alteration can be carried through with a very
minimal impact, as we now show.
In Appendix B conductor magnetization surface currents are studied in some detail. The reader
interested in how the magnetic modification is carried out would do well to read Appendix B at this point.
A reader less interested can accept the Appendix B results and continue here to learn that basically
nothing changes except R and L and parameters like Z0 and k which are functions of R and L.
So imagine starting with μd = μ1 = μ2 and then changing μ1 and μ2 to new values. The question is: how
do the various parameters and equations of the theory change? The first modification arises in Section
4.7. As described in Appendix B.6, the modified version of (4.7.2) is this,
∫
-jβ R
μ1 μ0 e d
Az1(x) = 4π [ Jz1(x') + μ Jzm1(x') ] R dx'dy'dz' . R = |x - x'| (4.7.2)'
C1 1
where Jzm1 includes only the surface component of the magnetization current on conductor C1. Section
B.6 shows how this Jzm1 adder term in effect adds a certain homogeneous solution to the particular
solution (first term above) of the Az Helmholtz equation such that the Az boundary conditions are duly
satisfied at the magnetic conductor C1 boundary. According to (B.1.10), the surface current Jzm1 when
μ1 μd
expressed in surface rather than volume notation is given by Kz = - ( μ - μ ) Hθ and thus vanishes
0 0
when μ1 = μd, resulting in the unmodified version of (4.7.2).
We maintain the next two equations of Section 4.7 as is, involving separation of variables,
Jz1(x,y,z) = b1(x,y) i1(z)

A/m2 1/m2 A (4.7.3)
where i1 is scaled such that
∫C dx dy b1(x,y) = 1 . (4.7.4)
1
This i1(z) is still the total conduction current in C1. But we now add two new equations,
Jz1m(x,y,z) = b1m(x,y) i1m(z)

A/m2 1/m2 A (4.13.1)
177
where i1m is scaled such that
∫C dx dy b1m(x,y) = 1 . (4.13.2)
1
It is understood here that b1m(x,y) is a distribution which is restricted to the surface of C1, but we continue
to write it as if it existed at all points in the cross section of C1. The integration in (4.13.2) is of course
meant to include this surface distribution.
We know from (B.1.11) and (B.1.12) that, for an arbitrarily shaped conductor C1, the bound magnetic
current is given by,
μ1 μd
i1m(z) ≡ - ( μ - μ ) i(z) , [ μ1 = conductor C1, μd = dielectric ] (4.13.3)
0 0
and the ratio of this to the total free current is therefore given by,
μ1 μd
f1m ≡ i1m(z)/ i(z) = - ( μ - μ ) . (4.13.4)
0 0
With the above definitions, our modified (4.7.6) becomes
-jβ R
μ1 μ e d
∫-∞ dz' i(z') ∫C dx' dy' [ b1(x',y') + μ01 f1m b1m(x',y') ] R
∞
Az1(x,y,z) = 4π
1
-jβ R
μd μ μ e d
∫-∞ dz' i(z') ∫C dx' dy' [ μd1 b1(x',y') + μd0 f1m b1m(x',y') ] R
∞
= 4π (4.13.5)
1
where notice that μd is now out front in place of μ1. This leads us to define a new effective transverse
current density,
μ1 μ0
b'1(x,y) ≡ μ b1(x',y') + μ f1m b1m(x',y')
d d
μ1 μ1
= μ b1(x',y') + [1- μ ] b1m(x',y') . (4.13.6)
d d
This new transverse density b'1 is still normalized to unity, using (4.7.4) and (4.13.2) above :
μ1 μ1
∫C dx dy b'1(x,y) = μ
d
∫C dx dy b1(x,y) + [1- μ ] ∫
d C1
dx dy b'1m(x,y)
1 1
μ1 μ1
= μ * 1 + [1-μ ] * 1 = 1 . (4.13.7)
d d
178
How does b'1 differ from b1? The difference is that b1 does not include a surface current and b'1 does.
We can represent equation (4.13.6) in this symbolic graphic manner:
(4.13.6)
Thus, from (4.13.5) and (4.13.6) we have this new version of (4.7.6),
μd e-jβdR
∫-∞ ∫C
∞
Az1(x,y,z) = 4π dz' i(z') dx' dy' b'1(x,y) R . (4.7.6)'
1
The differences are that the leading factor is μd instead of μ1, and b1 is replaced by b'1.
Moving into Section 4.8 we have this new version of (4.8.1),
Az12(x) = Az1(x) + Az2(x) =
μd e-jβdR e-jβdR
∫-∞ dz' i(z') { ∫C dx1' dy1' b'1(x1',y1') R – ∫C dx2' dy2' b'2(x2',y2') R }
∞
4π 1 2
(4.8.1)'
which is identical to (4.8.1) except bi → b'i. Then in the transmission line limit, we get this new version
of (4.9.1),
μd 1 1
∫-∞ dz'{ ∫C ∫C
∞
Az12(x) = 4π i(z) dx1' dy1' b'1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' b'2(x2',y2') R } . (4.9.1)'
1 1 2 2
From this point onward, all equations are the same apart from bi → b'i. Here are some of those equations
after modification:
W(z) ≡ Az12(x1) - Az12(x2) (4.10.1)'
μd 1 1
∫-∞ dz' { ∫C ∫C
∞
= 4π i(z) dx1' dy1' b'1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' b'2(x2',y2') R }
1 11 2 12
μd 1 1
∫-∞ dz' { ∫C ∫C
∞
– 4π i(z) dx1' dy1' b'1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' b'2(x2',y2') R }
1 21 2 22
W(z) (4.10.3)'
μd 1 1 1 1
= 4π i(z) ∫ dz' { ∫ dx1' dy1' b'1(x1',y1')( R - R ) - ∫ dx2' dy2' b'2(x2',y2') (R - R ) } .
∞
-∞ C1 11 21 C2 12 22
179
μd
W(z) = i(z) 4π { ∫ dx1' dy1' b'1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫ dx2' dy2' b'2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) }
C1 C2
(4.10.4)'
KL ≡ ∫C dx1' dy1' b'1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫
C2
dx2' dy2' b'2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) (4.10.9)'
1
W(z) μd
Le = i(z) = 4π KL // no change (4.10.8)
Section 4.11 involving non-magnetic currents is unaltered. We then enter Section 4.12. The derivation of
the transmission line equations (4.12.15) is unaffected by the above modifications; the only change is that
the b'i appear in the integral KL in place of the bi. The derivation of the fact that K = KL ending in
(4.12.20) is also unchanged! This at first seems strange since K has not changed, but we have apparently
altered KL by the replacements bi → b'i. But KL is not an evaluation -- it is an integral equation relating
KL to the b'i. In the self-consistent solution, the new functions (distributions) b'i adjust themselves so that
KL does not change. KL cannot change because (4.12.20) says it must remain equal to K which is
determined by the electrostatic side of the problem. It is perhaps helpful to look at (4.10.8) which says
μd
Le = 4π KL . We know that if the dielectric μd value does not change, the external inductance Le of the
transmission line cannot change so KL stays fixed. Changing μ1 and/or μ2 away from the value μd will of
course change the internal inductances of the conductors, and this is duly noted below in terms of surface
impedances. As μ1 is increased, the B field inside conductor C1 increases (H stays the same) so the stored
B field increases, and Li increases.
Finally, if we look at the example associated with Fig 4.14, we still find explicitly that KL= K because
the calculation leading to (4.12.23) is unchanged when bi are replaced with b'i, since the b'i are still
normalized to unity as shown in (4.13.7).
The happy bottom line is that all of summary box (4.12.24) is unchanged except bi → b'i in the KL
integral. The constant K can still be evaluated using the "capacitor problem" of Section 5.5 below and it is
unaffected by conductors having μi ≠ μd.
Having said this, let us now consider what happens to an operating transmission line which starts off with
μ1 = μ2 = μd = μ0 and we then gradually turn a magic "permeability knob" so that μ1 gradually increases
from μ0 to some value μ1 > μ0. That is to say, we gradually cause conductor C1 to become magnetic. The
constant K (and therefore KL = K) does not change at all. This K is determined by the potential φ part of
the problem in Section 4.4 and does not even know about the magnetic modification. Thus, looking at
(4.12.24), C', C, G and Le do not change. In particular, Le does not change because we have not altered
μd of the dielectric. The following two items shown in box (4.12.24) do change :
R = Re(Zs1 + Zs2) L = Le + (1/ω) Im(Zs1 + Zs2)
where Zsi is the surface impedance of conductor Ci. The non-Le term in L can be interpreted as the
internal inductance of the conductors. R and L change because Zs1 changes if we change μ1. This is so
because Zs1 is always a function of the skin depth δ1, and δ1 ≡ 2/(ωμ1σ1) = δ(μ1) from (2.2.20). In the
180
special case that C1 is a round wire of radius a1 with an axially symmetric current distribution (such as
the center wire of a coaxial cable), we showed in (2.4.11) that the surface impedance is given by
+jωμ1 ber0[ 2(a1/δ1)] + j bei0[ 2(a1/δ1)]

Z1s(ω) = , (2.4.11)
2πa1( 2/δ1) ber0'[ 2(a1/δ1)] + j bei0'[ 2(a1/δ1)]
so certainly this Zs(ω) is a function of μ1 both due to the leading constant and through the five
occurrences of δ1. Both the real and imaginary parts of Z1s(ω) will change as μ1 changes, so the
transmission line parameters R and L both change. In the high frequency limit ,
1
Z1s(ω) ≈ σ1(2πa1)δ1 (1+j) δ1 << 16a , (2.4.16)
so now the variation with μ1 is through the single δ1 factor shown. Again, both real and imaginary parts
of Z1s(ω) vary with μ1.
Since R and L change as noted above, the transmission line characteristic impedance will also change,
R + jωL z
Z0 = G + jωC = . (K.12) or (4.12.18)
y
This means, for example, if we drive a semi-infinite transmission line with some fixed voltage V(z), the
driving current i(z) will vary in amplitude and phase as we turn our "permeability knob" for conductor C1.
This is simply because i(z) = V(z)/Z0. In Chapter 5 we shall encounter the wave number k where
k = -j zy = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) (K.7) or (5.3.6)
and so this parameter will vary as well. Since losses are associated with the imaginary part of k, the
transmission line loss will also be affected by turning this "permeability knob".
So the good news is that the theory of Chapter 4 is easily extended to allow for magnetic conductors and
or dielectric. Once again, the summary box (4.12.24) is unchanged when μ1 = μ2 = μd is broken except
for the appearance of b'i in the KL integral, and except for the fact that Zs1 and Zs2 change as noted
above, causing changes in R, L and Z0. At very high frequency, one will have Z0 = (Le/C) and in this
case Z0 is not altered, see (4.12.26). As noted, k to be introduced below will also be altered, but not at
high frequency where k = -j (jωL)(jωC) = ω LC = ω LeC = ω/vd.
181
Chapter 5: The Transverse Problem
In this Chapter we define a certain "transverse" potential theory problem and then give a prescription for
obtaining K and thus the transmission line parameters C, G and Le. Basically this amounts to computing
the capacitance of a section of transmission line using standard (if obscure) electrostatic methods.
Subsidiary topics involve a certain dipole scaling condition for infinite dielectrics, the equation of energy
conservation for a transmission line, and an interpretation of the terms lossless, low-loss and lossy.
5.1 Separation of φ
Let φ ≡ φ12(x) of Section 4.2. Then in the transmission line limit we found in (4.3.10) that,
1 1 1
∫-∞ dz'{ ∫C ∫C
∞
φ(x) = 4πξ q(z) dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R } . (4.3.10)
d 1 1 2 2
Rewrite the above equation as,
1
φ(x,y,z) = 4πξ q(z) φt(x,y) (5.1.1)
d
1 1
∫-∞ dz'{ ∫C ∫C
∞
φt(x,y) ≡ dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R } (5.1.2)
1 1 2 2
where R1 = |x-x1'|, R2 = |x-x2'|, and x is a point in the dielectric. We thus identify φt as a dimensionless
"transverse potential" associated with the full potential φ.
Recall that x1 and x2 are points on the surfaces of conductors C1 and C2 at the same z. Evaluate (5.1.1) at
x1 then at x2 and then subtract to get the right equation below,
1
V(z) = φ(x1) - φ(x2) = 4πξ q(z) [φt(x1,y1) - φt(x2,y2)] .
d
The left side is just V(z) according to (4.4.1). Recalling now from (4.4.7) that
1
V(z) = q(z) 4πξ K (4.4.7)
d
one concludes that
φt(x1,y1) - φt(x2,y2) = K. (5.1.3)
The Helmholtz equation for φ is given by (1.5.3) for a region including dielectric and conductors,
(∇2 + βd2)φ(x,y,z) = - (1/εd) ρ(x,y,z) (1.5.3) (5.1.4)
182
where ρ(x,y,z) exists on the boundary of the dielectric region (ie, on the conductor surfaces). Inside the
dielectric there is no ρ so we then have
(∇2 + βd2)φ(x,y,z) = 0 . // dielectric region (5.1.5)
Inserting (5.1.1) into (5.1.5) yields,
1
(∇2 + βd2) 4πξ q(z) φt(x,y) = 0
d
or
1
(∇t2 + ∂z2 + βd2) 4πξ q(z) φt(x,y) = 0 // ∇t2 = ∇2D2 = ∇2 - ∂z2
d
or
q(z)∇t2φt(x,y) + φt(x,y) ∂z2q(z) + βd2 φt(x,y) q(z) = 0 .
Divide through by φt(x,y) q(z) to get
∇t2φt(x,y) ∂z2 q(z) 2

φt(x,y) + q(z) + βd = 0
or
∇t2φt(x,y) ∂z2 q(z)
[ φ (x,y) ] + q(z) = - βd2 (5.1.6)
t
which has the general form,
[ h(x,y) ] + g(z) = - βd2 .
The only way this can be true for all x,y,z in a region is if g(z) = some constant, which call - kφ2. Then,
∂z2 q(z) ∇t2φt(x,y)

q(z) = - kφ2 2
φt(x,y) = - βd + kφ
2
. (5.1.7)
We can rewrite these equations as
[ ∇t2 + (βd2 - kφ2)] φt(x,y) = 0 (5.1.8)
[ ∂z2 + kφ2] q(z) = 0 . (5.1.9)
According to Fact (3.8.8) and (5.1.1), for a particular z value, we expect φt(x,y) to have some constant
value K1 on the entire perimeter of a cross section of conductor C1, and some other constant value K2 on
the entire perimeter of a cross section of conductor C2, These facts act as boundary conditions for (5.1.7),
φt(C1) = K1 φt(C2) = K2 K1 - K2 = K (5.1.10)
183
so that (5.1.3) is realized.
Equation (5.1.9) has the following solution
q(z) = q(0) e-jkφz => q(z,t) = q(0) ej(ωt-kφz) (5.1.11)
and we find that q(z) has the form of a wave traveling down the transmission line with wavenumber kφ.
The reader of Chapter 2 or of Appendix D will recognize this as the form assumed for the electric field in
(2.1.1) or (D.1.1) where it was assumed as an ansatz without much a priori justification. For example,
E(r,θ,z,t) = ej(ωt-kz) E(r,θ) . (D.1.1)
When the dust settles below, for a low-loss transmission line we shall in fact end up with kφ = k so that
(D.1.1) has the same traveling wave form as (5.1.11).
5.2 Separation of Az
Let Az ≡ Az12(x) of Section 4.8. Then in the transmission line limit we found in (4.9.1) that
μd 1 1
∫-∞ dz'{ ∫C ∫C
∞
Az(x) = 4π i(z) dx1' dy1' b1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' b2(x2',y2') R } . (4.9.1)
1 1 2 2
Rewrite the above equation as,

μd
Az(x,y,z) = 4π i(z) Azt(x,y) (5.2.1)
1 1
∫-∞ dz'{ ∫C ∫C
∞
Azt(x,y) ≡ dx1' dy1' b1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' b2(x2',y2') R } (5.2.2)
1 1 2 2
where R1 = |x-x1'|, R2 = |x-x2'|, and x is a point in the dielectric. We thus identify Azt as a dimensionless
"transverse vector potential" associated with the full vector potential Az.
Recall that x1 and x2 are points on the surfaces of conductors C1 and C2 at the same z. Evaluate (5.2.1) at
x1 then at x2 and then subtract to get the right equation below,
μd
W(z) = Az(x1) - Az(x2) = 4π i(z) [Azt(x1,y1) - Azt(x2,y2)] .
The left side is just W(z) according to (4.10.1). Recalling now
W(z) μd μd
Le = i(z) = 4π KL => W(z) = 4π i(z) KL (4.10.8)
we conclude that
184
Azt(x1,y1) - Azt(x2,y2) = KL.
But (4.12.20) says KL = K, so write this last as
Azt(x1t) - Azt(x2t) = K . (5.2.3)
The Helmholtz equation for Az is given by (1.5.4) for a region including dielectric and conductors,
(∇2 + βd2)Az(x,y,z) = - Σi=2N μiJiz . (1.5.4) (5.2.4)
The Ji are currents inside the conductors. Although there is small conduction current in the dielectric, it
has been absorbed into βd2 as shown in (1.3.21) in the time domain with the use of the King gauge. If we
take our region of interest to be the dielectric alone, we then have
(∇2 + βd2)Az(x,y,z) = 0 . // dielectric region (5.2.5)
Inserting (5.2.1) into (5.2.5) yields,
μd
(∇2 + βd2) 4π i(z) Azt(x,y) = 0
or
μd
(∇t2 + ∂z2 + βd2) 4π i(z) Azt(x,y) = 0
or
i(z)∇t2Azt(x,y) + Azt(x,y)∂z2i(z) + βd2 Azt(x,y) i(z) = 0 .
Now divide through by Azt(x,y) i(z) to get
∇t2 Azt(x,y) ∂z2 i(z)

[ A (x,y) ] + i(z) + βd2 = 0 (5.2.6)
zt
which has the general form,
[ h(x,y) ] + g(z) = - βd2 .
The only way this can be true for all x,y,z in a region is if g(z) = some constant, which call -kA2. Then,
∂z2 i(z) ∇t2 Azt(x,y)

i(z) = - kA2 Azt(x,y) = - βd2 + kA2 . (5.2.7)
We can rewrite these equations as
185
[ ∇t2 + (βd2 - kA2)] Azt(x,y) = 0 (5.2.8)
[ ∂z2 + kA2] i(z) = 0 . (5.2.9)
According to Fact (3.8.9) and (5.2.1), for a particular z value, we expect Azt(x,y) to have some constant
value W1 on the entire perimeter of a cross section of conductor C1, and some other constant value W2
on the entire perimeter of a cross section of conductor C2, These facts act as boundary conditions for
(5.2.7). Since a potential has an arbitrary zero, we shall set
Azt(C1) = W1 Azt(C2) = W2 W1 - W2 = K (5.2.10)
so that (5.2.3) is realized.
The second equation (5.2.9) has the following solution
i(z) = i(0) e-jkAz => i(z,t) = i(0) ej(ωt-kAz) (5.2.11)
and we find that i(z) has the form of a wave traveling down the transmission line with wavenumber kA.
Comparing (5.2.11) with (5.1.11), it would certainly seem odd if q(z) and i(z) had the form of traveling
waves with different wavenumbers kφ ≠ kA. We will formally show in the next section that kφ = kA.
5.3 Development of the Transverse Problem
(a) kφ = kA and the transverse equations
The longitudinal equations from the previous two sections are these:
[ ∂z2 + kφ2 ] q(z) = 0 (5.1.9)

[ ∂z2 + kA2 ] i(z) = 0 . (5.2.9)
But,
1
φ(x,y,z) = 4πξ q(z) φt(x,y) (5.1.1)
d
μd
Az(x,y,z) = 4π i(z) Azt(x,y) . (5.2.1)
Therefore,
[ ∂z2 + kφ2 ] φ(x,y,z) = 0

[ ∂z2 + kA2 ] Az(x,y,z) = 0 . (5.3.1)
Recall that x1 and x2 are points on the surfaces of conductors C1 and C2. If we write equations (5.3.1)
first at x1 and then at x2 and then subtract, we get longitudinal equations for V(z) and W(z),
186
[ ∂z2 + kφ2 ] V(z) = 0 // V(z) = φ(x1) - φ(x2)

[ ∂z2 + kA2 ] W(z) = 0 // W(z) = Az(x1) - Az(x2)
[ ∂z2 + kA2 ] i(z) = 0 . // since W(z) = Le i(z) from (4.10.8) (5.3.2)
where we have used the definitions V(z) and W(z) from (4.4.1) and (4.10.1). For low frequencies, we
average (5.3.1) over the conductor perimeters and then V(z) and W(z) are as in (4.12.7).
Recall now the second order transmission line equations of (4.12.17),
d2V(z) d2i(z)
dz2 - zy V(z) = 0 dz2 - zy i(z) = 0 . (4.12.17) (5.3.3)
Comparison of (5.3.2) with (5.3.3) shows that
kφ2 = kA2 ≡ k2 = -zy = - (R+jωL)(G+jωC) (5.3.4)
which fulfills the expectation earlier that we should have kφ = kA. Recall the longitudinal behaviors,
q(z) = q(0) e-jkφz => q(z,t) = q(0) ej(ωt-kφz) (5.1.11)

-jkAz j(ωt-kAz)
i(z) = i(0) e => i(z,t) = i(0) e . (5.2.11)
^ directed wave is given by

We claim that the appropriate root for our +z
k = kφ = kA = -j zy ⇒
jk = zy ≡ (R+jωL)(G+jωC) = a + jb . // a and b are real and imag parts of jk (5.3.5)
For example, near ω = 0 we get jk ≈ RG > 0 and then e-jkz ~ exp( - RG z) which shows that the
wave decays as z increases to the right. The other root k = + j zy would be appropriate for a wave going
^ direction.
in the -z
All quantities like q(z),i(z),V(z),W(z) have this longitudinal behavior for a wave traveling in the +z
direction,
F(z) = F(0) e-jkz = F(0) e-az e-jbz jk = a + jb = zy = (R+jωL)(G+jωC)

= F(0) exp[ - zy z]
= F(0) exp[ - (R+jωL)(G+jωC) z]
a ≡ Re( zy ) = Re[ (R+jωL)(G+jωC) ] = - Im(k) // attenuation per distance of F(z)

b = Im( zy ) = Im[ (R+jωL)(G+jωC) ] = Re(k) . // phase of F(z) (5.3.6)
Now recall from box (4.12.24) that
187
μd
z = Zs + jωLe = Zs + jω 4π K Zs ≡ Zs1 + Zs2
y = jωC' = jω 4πξd/K (5.3.7)
so
μd
k2 = -zy = -[Zs + jω4π K] jω 4πξd/K
= -Zs jω 4πξd/K + ω2μdξd
= - jω Zs 4πξd/K + βd2 . // see (1.5.1a) (5.3.8)
Therefore,
jω Zs 4πξd
(βd2 - k2) = jω Zs 4πξd / K = K = jω Zs C'
= jω Zs(ξd/εd) C = jω (1/εd) [εd + σd/jω] ZsC = [jω + σd/εd] ZsC . (5.3.9)
The transverse equations (5.1.8) and (5.2.8) and boundary conditions (5.1.10) and (5.2.10) may now be
summarized:
[ ∇t2 + (βd2-k2)] φt(x,y) = 0 φt(C1) = K1 φt(C2) = K2 K1- K2 = K (5.3.10)

[ ∇t2 + (βd2-k2)] Azt(x,y) = 0 Azt(C1) = W1 Azt(C2) = W2 W1- W2 = K (5.3.11)
jω Zs 4πξd
where (βd2- k2) = K .
For a lossless transmission line, Zs = 0 and then k = βd = ω/vd where vd is the dielectric light speed.
(b) The scaling boundary condition on φt(x)
There exists another boundary condition on φt in the case that the dielectric extends transversely to
infinity. Recall (5.1.2) for φt(x,y) = φt(x),
1 1
∫-∞ dz'{ ∫C ∫C
∞
φt(x) = dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R } (5.1.2)
1 1 2 2
If we take the point x transversely far away from the conductors, the following drawing shows the
distances R1 and R2 which appear in the above integration,
188
Fig 5.1
During the transverse integration ∫C dx1' dy1', distance R1 does not vary much and can be replaced
1
with a distance from x to the "center" of conductor C1 without changing the integral significantly. The
same can be said for R2. We shall refer to these "center points" as x1 and x2 (this is a new and different
use for these variable names). In this case, we obtain
1 1
∫-∞ dz' { R1 ∫C ∫C
∞
φt(x) ≈ dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') – R dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') }
1 2 2
1 1 1 1
∫-∞ dz' ∫-∞ dz' (
∞ ∞
= {R -R } = - ) (5.3.12)
1 2 s12 + (z-z')2 s22 + (z-z')2
where we have used the fact (4.1.3) that the transverse charge densities are normalized to unity. The dz'
integral was done in (4.4.5) and equals ln(s22/s12), so then
φt(x) ≈ ln(s22/s12) // limiting form as point x = (x,y) moves far from the conductors
(5.3.13)
s12 = (x-x1)2 + (y-y1)2
s22 = (x-x2)2 + (y-y2)2 .
Whatever the exact solution φt(x) might be, in the limit discussed above one must obtain φt(x) ≈
ln(s22/s12). Of course as one continues to move x away to infinity, s1 ≈ s2 and then φt(x) ≈ ln(1) = 0.
Basically (5.3.13) is a boundary condition on the "scale" of the solution φt(x). If someone were to
propose a possible solution φt(x) = 2.6 ln(s22/s12) for some conductor geometry, we could instantly rule
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out that solution since it violates the boundary condition (5.3.13). The scale of φt is restricted in this
manner because the charge distributions αi appearing in (5.3.12) are normalized to unity.
By the exact same argument presented above, we have
Azt(x) ≈ ln(s22/s12) // limiting form as point x = (x,y) moves far from the conductors (5.3.14)
We shall give an interpretation of these limiting forms in Section 5.4 (b) below.
(c) Energy Conservation in a Transmission Line
In (5.3.6) we have seen how the voltage or current in a transmission line has z dependence e-jkz where
k = -j zy . (5.3.6)
Now consider the following quantities:
uC = (1/2) C V(z)2dz = capacitative energy stored in dz

uL = (1/2) L i(z)2dz = inductive energy stored in dz (as in (C.3.5))
pC = Cdz V(z) ∂tV(z) = rate of increase of the C stored energy

pL = Ldz i(z) ∂t i(z) = rate of increase of the L stored energy
pR = i(z)2Rdz = rate of energy burned in R

pG = V(z)2Gdz = rate of energy burned in G // V(z) iG(z) = V(z) [ V(z) Gdz ]
p(z) = energy/sec entering a little transmission line segment of length dz located at z

p(z+dz) = energy/sec leaving the segment at z + dz (5.3.15)
The power balance equation for the transmission line segment of length dz is then
p(z)-p(z+dz) = power flow decrease over dz = pC + pL + pR + pG
= Cdz V(z) ∂tV(z) + Ldz i(z) ∂t i(z) + i(z)2Rdz + V(z)2Gdz (5.3.16)
so that
- ∂zp(z) = CV(z) ∂tV(z) + L i(z) ∂t i(z) + i(z)2R+ V(z)2G

or
- ∂zp(z) = ∂t [ (1/2)CV(z)2 + (1/2)Li(z)2 ] + i(z)2R+ V(z)2G
Since p(z) = V(z)i(z), one finds
- ∂z[V(z,t) i(z,t)] = ∂t[ (1/2)CV(z,t)2 + (1/2)Li(z,t)2 ] + i(z,t)2R+ V(z,t)2G (5.3.17)
190
where we now show both space and time arguments. One can regard the above as a statement of energy
conservation (per unit time) at location z on an infinite transmission line. For a lossless line, R = G = 0,
and it is for such a line that the above equation appears in Haus and Melcher as Sec 14.2 Eq. (19).
Verification check "trust, but verify" “doveryai, no proveryai"
Moving the time derivative back in one gets,
- ∂z[V(z,t) i(z,t)] = [ CV(z,t) ∂tV(z,t) + L i(z,t) ∂t i(z,t) ] + i(z,t)2R+ V(z,t)2G .
Since both V and i have the z dependence e-jkz, V i has dependence e-2jkz so,
-2jk [V(z,t) i(z,t)] = [ CV(z,t) ∂tV(z,t) + L i(z,t) ∂t i(z,t) ] + i(z,t)2R+ V(z,t)2G .
Taking ∂t → jω and writing V(z,ω) = V and i(z,ω) = I, the above becomes in the ω domain,
-2jk [VI] = jω[ CV2 + LI2 ] + I2R+ V2G
= I2 (R + jωL) + V2(G + jωC) = I2 z + V2 y .
Dividing both sides by VI gives
-2jk = (I/V) z + (V/I) y .
But (4.12.18) says that V/I = Z0 = z/y so we find,
-2jk = (I/V) z + (V/I) y = y/z z + z/y y = zy + zy = 2 zy
and we finally arrive at
-jk = zy
which matches the equation stated at the start of this subsection.
5.4 The Low-Loss Approximation
(a) Transverse Equations for a Low-Loss transmission line
For low loss, we take the conductor surface impedance Zs ≈ 0. Recall from (5.3.8) that
k2 = βd2 - jω Zs 4πξd/K . (5.3.8)
Our definition of a "low-loss" transmission line is one for which k2 ≈ βd2 and in this case the longitudinal
wave number k as shown in (5.1.11) and (5.2.11) is k ≈ βd. So our low-loss condition is (using (1.5.1a)
for βd2),
191
| jω Zs 4πξd/K| << |βd2| βd2 = ω2μd ξd

or
|Zs| << (1/4π) | βd2/(ωξd)| K = (1/4π) ω | βd2/(ω2ξd)| K = (1/4π) ωμd K
so
|Zs| << (1/4π) ωμd K . (5.4.1)
For a symmetric-environment round wire of radius a we found in (2.4.16) that for large ω,
1
Zs ≈ σ(2πa)δ (1+j) for δ << 4a δ2 = 2/ωμσ . (2.4.16)
For a transmission line of two round conductors either coaxial or widely spaced we can estimate
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Zs = Zs1 + Zs2 = σ(2π)δ (1+j) ( a + a ) ≡ σ(2π)δ (1+j) a a ≡ ( a1 + a2 )
1 2
so that (5.4.1) says [assuming μ = μd ]
1
σ | Zs | = (2πa)δ 2 << (1/4π) σωμ K = (1/4π) (2/δ2) K
1 1
=> (2πa)δ 2 << (1/4π) (2/δ2) K => δa 2 << (1/δ2) K
=> (δ/a) << K/ 2 (5.4.2)
We saw in the Example of Section 4.6 that K = 2 ln(a2/a1) for a coaxial cable, (4.6.4). Even for a very
large radius ratio of 100 this would be K = 2 ln(100) = 9.2. For a more typical ratio of perhaps 5, K ≈ 3.2.
Then our inequality above says roughly
1 1 1
(δ/a) << 2 a ≡ ( a1 + a2 )
which is then our ball-park estimate for applicability of the "low-loss transmission line" condition at large
ω. We showed in Section 2.5 (and Section 4.11) how Zs can be modified for some other geometry.
Basically this says we are in the low-loss limit if the skin depth is much smaller than the wire's transverse
dimensions. That is to say, a transmission line has "low loss" when ω is larger than some value. The E
and B fields in the dielectric wing along at vd between the conductors, with little penetration into either
conductor, and thus little ohmic loss in those conductors.
On the other hand, for small ω we found in (2.4.12) that
μ
Zs(ω) = Rdc + jω 8π = Rs + jωLs // low frequency limit (2.4.12)
192
where Rdc = 1/(σπa2) for a round wire. If we use this as an estimate for Zs of each conductor in the case
of general conductors, then
μ μ
Zs = Zs1 + Zs2 = Rdc1 + Rdc2 + 2jω 8π ≡ RDC + 2jω 8π
and then (5.4.1) says
μ
| Zs| = | RDC + 2jω 8π | << (1/4π) ωμ K
or
(RDC)2 + (μ/4π)2ω2 << (μ/4π)2ω2 K2
RDC << (μ/4π) ω K2-1 .
For a given low frequency ω, RDC must be smaller than the above for the transmission line to be low-loss.
Low ω Example 1: Belden 8281 coaxial cable is treated as a case study in Appendix R. There it is
shown that RDC = .036 ohm/m and K = 3.7. The inequality above then requires that
ω >> (4π/μ) RDC 1/ K2-1 = 107 * .036 / 3.56 ≈ 105 => f >> 16 KHz
So in the low frequency range, as long as f is not too low, one can treat 8281 cable as low-loss.
Low ω Example 2: At the end of Section 4.5 we considered a power transmission line with two 1"
diameter conductors separated by 1 meter. It was found that K = 17.5 and that Rdc = .02Ω per thousand
feet for each conductor which is 0.66 x 10-4 ohms/m for each conductor. Thus we need
ω >> (4π/μ) RDC 1/ K2-1 = 107 * [2* 0.66 x 10-4] / 17.47 ≈ 76 => f >> 12 Hz
Such power lines are normally operated at 50 or 60Hz so are in the low loss regime.
If we assume this low-loss limit is in effect, then
βd2- k2 = jω Zs 4πξd/K ≈ 0
and our transverse equations (5.3.10) and (5.3.11) become 2D Laplace equations,
∇t2φt(x,y) = 0 φt(C1) = K1 φt(C2) = K2 K1- K2 = K (5.4.3)

∇t2Azt(x,y) = 0 Azt(C1) = W1 Azt(C2) = W2 W1- W2 = K (5.4.4)
As commented earlier, the parallelism between φt and Azt should not be surprising in light of Section 1.3
(b) where it was noted that A and φ are components of the same relativistic 4-vector.
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(b) The scaling boundary condition (5.3.13) revisited
First, a quick review.
In 3D the potential (SI units) of a point charge q located at x1 is φ(x) = (q/4πε|x-x1|) = q/(4πεR1).
In 2D the potential of a point charge q located at x1 is φ(x) = -(q/2πε) ln|x-x1| = -(q/2πε) lns1.
The 3D φ(x) is the solution of -∇2(φ) = (q/ε) δ3)(x-x1) as shown in (H.1.4) and as proven in Appendix H.
The quantity 1/4πR1 is the 3D free-space propagator of the 3D Laplace equation. It is the Green's function
of the equation -∇2g(x|x1) = δ(3)(x-x1) .
The 2D φ(x) is the solution of -∇22D(φ) = (q/ε) δ(2)(x-x1) as shown in (I.1.4) and as proven in Appendix
I. The quantity -2πlns1 is the 2D free-space propagator of the 2D Laplace equation. It is the Green's
function of the equation -∇22Dg(x|x1) = δ(2)(x-x1).
With this brief review, we now examine a 2D cross section view of the transmission line of Fig 5.1 at a
scale that makes the two conductors appear very small and very close together, and at the same time we
imagine more elaborate cross section shapes. The dielectric is assumed non-conducting, so ξd = εd. The
three points indicated by the three dots on the right all lie in the plane of paper; this is just a 2D drawing
and x = (x,y).
Fig 5.2
The dots on the left indicate the "center of charge" for each conductor and these dots appear also on the
right. The claim is that when x is very far away, the variation in s1 as it moves over the perimeter of the
conductor C1 cross section is so small that we can replace s1 with a distance to the center of charge of C1
and similarly for R2. Thus, on the right we end up with the 2D potential of two point charges which form
a 2D electric dipole. Using the results just quoted in the above review, we find that
φ(x) = φ1(x) + φ2(x) = -(q/2πεd)ln|x-x1| -(-q/2πεd)ln|x-x2| = -(q/2πεd) lns1+(q/2πεd) lns2
= (q/2πεd) ln(s2/s1) = (q/4πεd)ln(s22/s12) .
194
Recalling for ξd = εd that
1
φ(x,y,z) = 4πε q(z) φt(x,y) (5.1.1)
d
we find that
φt(x,y) = ln(s22/s12) . // for r far away
Thus we have an alternate derivation and 2D dipole interpretation of our earlier "scaling boundary
condition" (5.3.13).
5.5 The Capacitor Problem: How to Find K
We have now boiled down the computation of transmission line parameters (in the transmission line limit
and in the low-loss limit) to the problem of computing the capacitance of a section of transmission line.
Here we assume the dielectric is non-conducting so ξ = ε and we don't have to worry about the distinction
between charge densities qc and qs as discussed in (4.11.6).
Solving the capacitor problem using φ
A standard approach to a general 2D electrostatics capacitor problem is as follows. Start with
∇2D2φ(x,y) = 0 φ(C1) - φ(C2) = V = voltage between conductors (5.5.1)
where we now (arbitrarily) use notation ∇2D2 in place of ∇t2.

Since the dielectric presumably fills the region between the conductors, the dielectric is the official
"region" of a Green's function problem. For a unit positive point charge placed at some location (x',y') in
the dielectric region we can then formally (!) solve this 2D Green's function problem,
− ∇2D2g(x,y|x',y') = δ(x-x')δ(y-y') g(x,y|x',y') = 0 for (x,y) on both C1 and C2

g(x,y|x',y') = 0 for (x,y) = ∞ (if appropriate) . (5.5.2)
Here g(x,y|x',y') is specific to our geometry; it is not the 2D free-space Green's function - ln(1/R)/2π
shown in (I.1.4). The free-space solution has only the lower boundary condition stated above. We assume
now that this Green's function problem has been solved, either analytically, approximately, or
numerically, so that g(x,y|x',y') is known (example coming in Chapter 6).
In very general notation, if a region contains some sources q(x) and if the potential φ is prescribed on the
entire closed boundary surrounding the region by a function f, then the solution to (5.5.1) is given in
Stakgold notation as (1.5.11) (which we derive in the lines following (1.5.11) for both Laplace and
Helmholtz equations),
195
φ(x) = ∫R dx' g(x|x') q(x') – ∫σ dSξ f(ξ) ∂ξng(x|ξ) // Stakgold (6.81) . (1.5.11)
where σ represents the closed boundary of the region of interest, dSξ is an integration over this boundary,
and ∂ξng(x|ξ) is the derivative of the Green's function in a direction locally normal to the boundary
surface. In potential theory, this type of problem is known as "the Dirichlet Problem". In our case the
boundary consists of C1, C2 and the Great Circle at ∞. Stakgold deals in an arbitrary number of spatial
dimensions, but we have only 2 dimensions here, so dSξ is a line integral around the boundary. A picture
is in order, showing a cross section of the transmission line,
Fig 5.3
We know that on the great circle φ = 0, so there will be no contribution from that part of the Dirichlet
boundary. What we do not know are V1 and V2 which are the constant potentials on C1 and C2. If it
happened that the picture had mirror symmetry in a plane separating the two conductors, we would know
that V1 = V/2 and V2 = -V/2, but in the general case we don't know V1 and V2 a priori. For the moment,
we leave them as to-be-determined quantities.
In our application of (1.5.11) there are no charges q(x) in the dielectric region. We put one there
temporarily to obtain the Green's function, but it is now gone. Thus (1.5.11) reads,
φ(x,y) = – ∫
{ C1 ds' f(C1) ∂ng(x,y|x',y') – ∫
{ C2 ds' f(C2) ∂ng(x,y|x',y') - ∫
{ GC ds' f(∞) ∂ng(x,y|x',y')
=–∫
{ C1 ds' V1 ∂ng(x,y|x',y') – ∫
{ C2 ds' V2 ∂ng(x,y|x',y') – ∫
{ GC ds' (0) ∂ng(x,y|x',y')
= -V1 ∫
{ C1 ds' ∂ng(x,y|x',y') – V2 ∫
{ C2 ds' ∂ng(x,y|x',y') }.
= V1 F1(x,y) + V2F2(x,y) (5.5.3)
196
where the Fi(x,y) are determined by doing the line integrals for a given geometry. If y = y1(x) describes
a piece of the C1 perimeter, then
ds' = dx'2 + dy'2 = 1 + ∂x'y1(x') dx' (5.5.4)
which gives a candidate ds' for doing the line integral over that piece of the perimeter.
Once φ(x,y) is known, one can compute the normal electric field En at the conductor surfaces,
En(x) = - ∂n1φ(x) = -V1 [∂n1F1(x)] - V2 [∂n1F2(x)] ≡ V1 G11(x) + V2 G12(x) x on C1

En(x) = - ∂n2φ(x) = -V1 [∂n2F1(x)] - V2 [∂n2F2(x)] ≡ V1 G21(x) + V2 G22(x) . x on C2
(5.5.5)
Since the conductors are different, the resulting four functions Gij will in general be different. For
example, we are taking normal derivatives of the Fi at different points in space on different (1D) surfaces.
Fig 5.3 is meant to represent the 2D cross section of a 3D transmission line, and in the following the
symbol n refers to the true surface charge density in Cou/m2. We compute n using (1.1.47) assuming En =
0 inside the conductor,
n1(x,y) = εdEn(x,y) = εdV1 G11(x) + εdV2 G12(x) x on C1

n2(x,y) = εdEn(x,y) = εdV1 G21(x) + εdV2 G22(x) x on C2 (5.5.6)
where εd is for the dielectric. One can then integrate over the boundaries of the conductors to get the total
charges q1 and q2 residing on the conductors (per unit length),
q1 = ∫
{ C1 ds' n1(x',y') = εdV1H11 + εdV2H22
q2 = ∫
{ C2 ds' n2(x',y') = εdV1H21 + εdV2H22 (5.5.7)
where the Hij are now four constants which were computed in the above process. Since it turns out that
H12 = H21 as shown below, one can ignore H21, G21(x), and ∂n2F1(x) in the above set of calculations.
We now define some new constants cij = εdHij and write the above as
q1 = c11V1 + c12V2
q2 = c21V1 + c22V2 . (5.5.8)
Comment: The coefficients cij are dimensionally capacitance, but they are a little strange. If we start off
with the conductors holding charges q1 and q'2 and then ground C2 to the great circle (thin wire, V2= 0),
and then measure V1 relative to the great circle, we find that V1 = q1/c11 and q2 = c21V1. So c11 is the
capacitance of C1 in the presence of a grounded C2 (which is not the same as the capacitance of C1 in
isolation). And c21 determines how much charge q2 is "induced" onto C2 by the presence of charged C1.
Smythe (p 37) and Oughstun (p 23) refer to the cij both as "coefficients of capacitance" and "coefficients
of induction". This should be distinguished from the notion of conductors C1 and C2 each having a "self-
capacitance" (each in isolation) and having a "mutual capacitance" ( to be called C below).
197
Writing the above pair of equations in matrix notation,
⎛ q1 ⎞ = ⎛ c11 c12 ⎞ ⎛ V1 ⎞ or q=cV . (5.5.9)

⎝ q2 ⎠ ⎝ c21 c22 ⎠ ⎝ V2 ⎠
The cij are all known because they were computed above. Then invert to get
⎛ V1 ⎞ = ⎛ s11 s12 ⎞ ⎛ q1 ⎞ or V = sq (5.5.10)

⎝ V2 ⎠ ⎝ s21 s22 ⎠ ⎝ q2 ⎠
where matrix s = c-1 is called the "mutual elastance" matrix by Smythe (p 36), and the "coefficients of
potential" by Oughstun (p 21). Both authors deal with an arbitrary number of conductors.
The reader will not be surprised to learn that in general cij = cji and sij = sji so the matrices c and
s are in fact symmetric matrices. Smythe shows this on pages 36-37 based on what he calls "Green's
Reciprocation Theorem" on page 34 (George Green once again!). This theorem can be a lifesaver in
certain electrostatic problems.
Now our problem as shown in Fig 5.3 is to compute the potential φ when C1 has charge q and C2 has
charge -q. We then finally arrive at the appropriate values of V1 and V2 for our problem, which we said
above were "to be determined". Here they are:
⎛ V1 ⎞ = ⎛ s11 s12 ⎞ ⎛ q ⎞ = q ⎛ s11 s12 ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞ (5.5.11)

⎝ V2 ⎠ ⎝ s21 s22 ⎠ ⎝ -q ⎠ ⎝ s21 s22 ⎠ ⎝ -1 ⎠
so that
V1 = q (s11- s12)
V2 = q (s21- s22)
V = V1 - V2 = q [s11+ s22 - 2s12] . // s12 = s21 as noted above (5.5.12)
Finally, here is the computed (inverse) capacitance of our transmission line section,
1/C = V/q = s11 + s22 - 2s12 .
But we know how to invert a simple 2x2 matrix (T = transpose, cof = cofactor, det(c) = |c| )
s = c-1 = cof(cT)/det(c)
so that
⎛ s11 s12 ⎞ = ⎛ c22 -c12 ⎞ /det(c) .

s= s s (5.5.13)
⎝ 21 22 ⎠ ⎝ -c21 c11 ⎠
Then
198
c11+ c22 + 2c12

1/C = s11 + s22 - 2s12 = ( c22 + c11 +2c12)/det(c) = c c - c 2
11 22 12
so
c11c22 - c122
C = c + c + 2c . (5.5.14)
11 22 12
Oughstun page 27 equation (27) verifies this result,
Once C is known, K can be found from (4.12.24),
c11+ c22 + 2c12

K = 4πεd/C = 4πεd c c - c 2 . (5.5.15)
11 22 12
Thus, we have solved "The Capacitor Problem" to obtain K for the transmission line. The other line
parameters are then given as in (4.12.24),
μd
G = 4πσd/K Le = 4π K .
Statement of the capacitor problem in terms of φt
To show that our capacitor problem is the same as (5.4.3), we first quote the capacitor problem (5.5.1),
∇2D2φ(x,y) = 0 φ(C1) - φ(C2) = V . (5.5.1)

q(z)
Then use (5.1.1) that φ(x,y,z) = 4πε φt(x,y) to get
q(z) q(z)
∇2D2φt(x,y) = 0 4πε φt (C1) - 4πε φt(C2) = V
or
4πε
∇2D2φt(x,y) = 0 φt (C1) - φt(C2) = V q(z)
or
∇2D2φt(x,y) = 0 φt(C1) - φt(C2) = K
q(z)
which is (5.4.3). In the last step we used (4.4.7) that V(z) = 4πε K. The potentials V1 and V2 are related
to constants K1 and K2 by
q(z) q(z)
V1 = 4πε K1 V2 = 4πε K2 (5.5.16)
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Solution of the capacitor problem using φt
Here we just repeat the above analysis, showing how things differ. We leave out the words. The main
q(z)
differences are that the Vi are replaced by Ki and the factor 4πε appears on the lines where ni are
computed. As before, K1 and K2 are initially unknown, but we find them in the end:
φt(x,y) = – ∫
{ C1 ds' K1 ∂ng(x,y|x',y') – ∫
{ C2 ds' K2 ∂ng(x,y|x',y')
= K1 F1(x,y) + K2F2(x,y)
q(z) q(z)
En(x,y) = - ∂n1φ = - 4πε ∂n1φt(x,y) = 4πε { K1 G11(x) + K2 G12(x) } x on C1
q(z) q(z)
En(x,y) = - ∂n1φ = - 4πε ∂n2φt(x,y) = 4πε {K1 G21(x) + K2 G22(x) } x on C2
q(z) q(z)
n1(x,y) = εEn(x,y) = 4πε εK1 G11(x) + 4πε εK2 G12(x) x on C1
q(z) q(z)
n2(x,y) = εEn(x,y) = 4πε εK1 G21(x) + 4πε εK2 G22(x) x on C2
q1 = ∫
{ C1 ds' n1(x',y') =
q(z) q(z)
4πεd [εdK1H11 + εdK2H22] = 4πε [ c11V1 + c12V2 ]
q2 = ∫
{ C2 ds' n2(x',y') =
q(z) q(z)
4πεd [ε d K1 H21 + ε d K 2 H22 ] = 4πε [ c21V1 + c22V2 ]
⎛ q1 ⎞ = q(z) ⎛ c11 c12 ⎞ ⎛ K1 ⎞ or

q(z)
q = 4πε c K .
⎝ q2 ⎠ 4πεd ⎝ c21 c22 ⎠ ⎝ K2 ⎠ d
⎛ K1 ⎞ = 4πεd ⎛ s11 s12 ⎞ ⎛ q1 ⎞ or

4πεd
K = q(z) s q
⎝ K2 ⎠ q(z) ⎝ s21 s22 ⎠ ⎝ q2 ⎠
⎛ K1 ⎞ = 4πεd ⎛ s11 s12 ⎞ ⎛ q(z) ⎞ = 4πε ⎛ s11 s12 ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞

⎝ K2 ⎠ q(z) ⎝ s21 s22 ⎠ ⎝ -q(z) ⎠ ⎝ 21 s22 ⎠ ⎝ -1 ⎠
d s
K1 = 4πεd (s11- s12)

K2 = 4πεd (s21- s22)
K = K1 - K2 = 4πεd [s11+ s22 - 2s12]

so
c11+ c22 + 2c12
K = 4πεd c c - c 2 . (5.5.17)
11 22 12
which is the same as (5.5.15).
200
For arbitrary conductor shapes, carrying out the Green's function program just outlined is quite difficult
and usually requires expanding the Green's function in some complete set of eigenfunctions and then
making various approximations. Perhaps conformal mapping is helpful in certain cases. Our main point is
that the capacitor problem is a well-posed problem and has a solution value K. Numerical evaluations are
always possible as noted earlier.
If the conductors are round, the problem can be solved exactly as we shall show in Chapter 6.
5.6 What happens if low-loss is not assumed?
We have seen how one can analyze a transmission line in the low-loss regime by studying the associated
capacitor problem. The reader is reminded that the term low-loss does not mean no-loss! A low-loss
transmission line does have losses, meaning it has attenuation. This attenuation is associated with the
imaginary part of k as shown in (5.3.6) and as examined in Appendix Q. A specific attenuation example is
presented in Appendix R for Belden 8281 cable, see Fig R.7. However, if losses are so great that the low-
loss regime does not apply (the transmission line is "lossy"), the situation becomes much more
complicated, and we address that case in a cursory manner below. Basically one cannot consider the
transverse Helmholtz equation as a Laplace equation, so one cannot solve things in the capacitor
electrostatics sense, and our rote formulas for K such as those derived in Chapter 6 (like K = 2 ln (a2/a1)
for a coaxial cable) are no longer correct. It turns out that in the high-loss regime K must be determined
by solving an unpleasant eigenvalue problem. One might argue that the high-loss regime is of little
practical interest since practical transmission lines are always designed to be low-loss transmission lines.
Let's go back to our equation before the low-loss assumption that Zs≈ 0,
jω Zs 4πξd
[ ∇ t2 + K ] φt(x,y) = 0 φt(C1) = K/2 φt(C2) = - K/2 . (5.3.10)
jω Zs 4πξd
This is now a Helmholtz equation with Helmholtz parameter K , whereas with Zs = 0 we had the
simpler Laplace Equation. Treating Zs as some given value ≠ 0, one could go ahead and find the Green's
function for the above equation and it would be a function of K since K appears in the Helmholtz
1
parameter. Call this Helmholtz Green's function gK(x,y|x',y'). We still have φ = 4πξ q(z) φt being the full
d
potential from which the electric field is obtained as En = -∂nφ [ recall that transverse A components are
zero so this is consistent with E = - grad φ - ∂tA ]. The solution of the above PDE system then starts off
φt(x,y) = – ∫
{ C1 ds' K1 ∂ngK(x,y|x',y') – ∫
{ C2 ds' K2 ∂ngK(x,y|x',y')
= K1 F1(x,y,K) + K2F2(x,y,K) . (5.6.1)
From this point on, every function and constant acquires and argument K: Gij(x,K), Hij(K) and then
cij(K). We end up then with
201
c11(K) + c22(K) + 2c12(K)

K = 4πε c (K)c (K) - [c (K)]2 . (5.6.2)
11 22 12
The new feature is that K appears on both sides of the last equation. This probably-complicated equation
then has to be solved for K, and sometimes this is referred to as "an eigenvalue problem" for K. For
example, if Zs is very small but non-zero, one would expect the solution for K to be slightly different
from the value obtained with Zs = 0 and one could perhaps approach the problem using perturbation
theory where the Helmholtz parameter is a "smallness parameter".
Recall that
k2 = βd2 - jω Zs 4πξd / K (5.3.8)
where now K is the "eigenvalue" of our solution above. If Zs is very small but not zero, we end up then
with
k = βd - Δ
where Δ is a small complex number. The longitudinal transmission line behavior of all z-dependent
functions like φ, Azt, q, V, W, E, B is then given by (5.1.11),
q(z,t) = q(z,t) = q(0) ej(ωt-kz) = q(0) ej(ωt-[βd-Δ]z)
= q(0) ej(ωt-[βd-Re(Δ)]z) e–Im(Δ)z
The real part of Δ causes a shift in the wavenumber k so the wave no longer propagates with the normal
dielectric wavenumber βd. Since v = ω/k, one finds that the wave is "slowed down" due to the drag effect
of the non-zero surface impedance of the conductors. The imaginary part of Δ then causes an exponential
decay of the wave magnitude due to ohmic losses at the conductor surface. In our Chapter 2 analysis of
the round wire we found that in general Zs is itself complex, so computation of Δ is a somewhat
complicated problem which we shall not attempt here (but see Appendix Q).
The problem of lossy transmission lines is usually approached using E and B fields, rather than potentials
φ and Az, and the analysis is then similar to the way waveguides in general are treated. Due to the skin
effect, the E and B fields penetrate a distance ~δ into the conductor surfaces and this results in ohmic
losses and a "drag" on the propagating wave. In this approach, one ends up again with an eigenvalue
problem to solve, not directly for K but for some other related parameter like k.
In the 12-page Section 4.5 of his book (p 106), Matick studies a lossy-transmission line in the simplest
possible case which is a strip geometry whose gap S is small compared to the width, and whose metal
strips are much thicker than the skin depth δ. His parameter γ is related to our parameter k by γ = jk, and
his longitudinal direction is x instead of our z. He ends up with a transcendental "eigenvalue equation" (4-
66) for γ, but if loss is very small, he can approximately solve for γ with these results [ βd = ω μdεd ]
202
Im(γ) = βd(1+δ/2S) Re(γ) = βd (δ/2S) // Matick (4-75,76,77) p 115
which with γ = jk we translate to
Im(k) = - Re(γ) = - βd (δ/2S)

Re(k) = Im(γ) = βd(1+δ/2S)
k = βd(1+δ/2S) -j βd (δ/2S) = βd [1 + (δ/2S) + j(δ/2S)]

so
Δ = βd[(δ/2S) + j(δ/2S)] .
Thus, for such a thick strip transmission line, the longitudinal dependence of all functions has this form,
q(z,t) = ej(ωt-[βd-Re(Δ)]z) e–Im(Δ)z
= ej(ωt-[βd+δ/2S]z) e–(δ/2S)z
which shows the exponential loss factor and an increased wavenumber β+δ/2S which corresponds to a
decreased wavelength λ and a decreased wave velocity v = ω/k = ωλ/2π = fλ, the "drag effect".
Matick has an erratum in this section which is a bit confusing, so we repair it right here. His equation
(4-50) p 110 should read (in his notation)
∂2Ex ∂2Ex ∂2Ez ∂2Ez

∇2E = ( ∂x2 + ∂z2 ) ^
x + ( ∂x2 + ∂z2 ) ^
z = (jωμσ - ω2με)(Ex^
x + Ez^
z) Matick (4-50)
203
Chapter 6: Transmission Lines with Two Cylindrical Conductors
Chapter 6: Two Cylindrical Conductors
6.1 A candidate transverse potential φt
In Sections 5.3 (b) and 5.4 (b) we showed that the transverse potential of a 2-conductor balanced
transmission line must have this form when viewed from far away,
(5.3.13)
s12 = (x-x1)2 + (y-y1)2 = |x - x1|2
s22 = (x-x2)2 + (y-y2)2 = |x - x2|2 (6.1.1)
where the points x1 and x2 are the "center of charge" points for the C1 and C2 conductor cross sections.
Suppose now we take, as a candidate dimensionless transverse potential φt, exactly the above limiting
expression. Our candidate φt is
φt(x) = ln(s22/s12) . for all values of r, close and far (6.1.2)
where we specify the center of charge points to be x1 = (d,0) and x2 = (-d,0).
Certainly this meets the limiting form boundary condition (5.3.13)! We know also that this potential is a
valid solution of the 2D Laplace equation, since ln(s1) and ln(s2) are each valid solutions. This fact was
shown at the start of Section 5.4 (b). Since -2πlns1 is the 2D free-space propagator, it follows that
-2πlns1 is a solution of ∇22D(φ) = 0 away from the point where s1 = 0, and then so is lns1. Then by
superposition, 2lns2 - 2lns1 is also a valid solution, and thus so is ln(s22/s12). Thus, φt is a valid candidate
for a lossless transmission line since φt satisfies the 2D Laplace equation according to (5.4.3),
∇t2 φt(x,y) = 0 φt(C1) = K1 φt(C2) = K2 K1-K2 = K . (5.4.3)
The question then becomes: what are the surfaces Ci in 2D space on which this candidate φt is a
constant? Such surfaces can then serve as possible conductor cross sections for a transmission line.
6.2 Ancient Greece circa 230 BC
Apollonius of Perga (262BC-190BC) [ like Joe of Chicago ] was a pretty smart guy as wiki explains. He
did astronomy and therefore he did geometry. Besides giving conic sections their current names and
writing eight books about them, he learned about what are now called the Apollonian Circles. These
circles form the "level surfaces" for 2D bipolar (orthogonal) coordinates as shown in this picture,
204
Fig 6.1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollonian_circles
When this picture is rotated around its vertical axis, the blue level circles become toroids and one then
arrives at 3D toroidal coordinates, but that is another story. Our interest is in the 2D blue circles.
It turns out, as the reader may suspect, that the blue circles have the following simple property,
s2/s1 = constant ,
which we shall prove in a moment. Calling this constant e-B we get
s2/s1 = e-B => ln(s2/s1) = - B . (6.2.1)
Thus, since φt(x) = ln(s22/s12) = 2 ln(s2/s1), the blue circles are candidate equipotential surfaces for our
potential φt(x).
To show that s2/s1 = e-B describes a circle, consider:
|x-x2| / |x-x1| = e-B
|x-x2|2 = e-2B |x-x1|2
(x-x2)2 + (y-y2)2 = e-2B [(x-x1)2 + (y-y1)2 ] .
This equation has the following form
205
A(x2 + y2) + Bx + Cy + D = 0 A = (1-e-2B)

or
x2 + y2 + αx + βy + γ = 0 .
One can then "complete the squares" to obtain the equation of a circle of radius r centered at (xc,yc) ,
(x - xc)2 + (y - yc)2 = r2
where -2xc = α -2yc = β x c 2 + y c 2 - r2 = γ . (6.2.2)
For the particular locations of x1 and x2 shown in Fig 6.1 one has
x1 = -d x2 = d y 1 = y2 = 0
s1 = (x+d) + y2
2 2
s22 = (x-d)2 + y2 (6.2.3)
so
s2/s1 = e-B => s1/s2 = eB => e2Bs22 = s12 => (eB/2) s22 = (e-B/2) s12 =>
(eB/2) [x2 - 2dx + d2 + y2] = (e-B/2) [x2 + 2dx + d2 + y2]
shB (x2+d2+y2) + chB(-2dx) = 0 // shB = (eB-e-B)/2, chB = (eB+e-B)/2
(x2+d2+y2) + cothB (-2dx) = 0
x2 - 2d x cothB + y2 = -d2
x2 - 2d x cothB + d2coth2B + y2 = -d2+ d2coth2B // complete the square
(x - dcothB)2 + y2 = d2csch2B . (6.2.4)
We conclude that our blue equipotential circles have this simple form
(x - xc)2 + y2 = r2 xc = d cothB r = |d cschB| . (6.2.5)
Using d = 5, here is a plot of these circles for 10 different B values:
206
Fig 6.2
Since xc = d cothB, the right side circles have B > 0 while the left side have B < 0. The value B = 0
corresponds to the vertical y axis, while B = ±∞ correspond to the two focal points at d = ± 5.
6.3 Back to the Future: Calculation of K
Let C2 to be a circle on the right side, so that B2 > 0.

For C1 select a second circle from either the left or the right, so B1 can have either sign.
If one selects C1 from the left side, one has a two-wire transmission line(dielectric = gray),
Fig 6.3
If one selects C2 from the right, one has an off-center coaxial transmission line,
207
Fig 6.4
Fig 6.3 shows a transmission line cross section where the two conductors are round wires with unequal
radii a1 and a2. Treated as a 2D capacitor, one's intuition at least suggests that the two focal points might
be the conductor "centers of charge". The gray dielectric is of course outside the two conductors and it is
possible to select a point in the dielectric that is "far away" from both conductors, so our limiting form
discussion applies and the points x1 and x2 should be the centers of charge.
Figure 6.4 shows an off-center coaxial transmission line for which the dielectric is the region between the
two black circles. In this case, one cannot take a point in the dielectric that is "far away" from both
conductors, so the limiting form discussion does not apply. Here it appears that both conductors have the
same center of charge located at x2.
We shall now determine K and therefore the 2D capacitance C = 4πε/K for the above cases.
Let σ1 = sign(B1). Then from (6.1.2) and (6.2.1),
φt(x) = ln(s22/s12) = 2 ln(s2/s1)
φt(C1) = 2 ln(s2/s1)|C1 = -2B1

φt(C2) = 2 ln(s2/s1)|C2 = -2B2 . (6.3.1)
Recall from (5.1.3) that φt(C1) - φt(C2) = K. Therefore,
K = 2(B2-B1) = 2 (|B2| -σ1|B1|). (6.3.2)
Knowing K, one knows C, G and Le for the transmission line from box (4.12.24).
We must now do some slightly painful algebra. First, we know from (6.2.5) that
a1 = d |cschB1| => (d/a1) = sh(|B1|) => |B1| = sh-1(d/a1)

a2 = d |cschB2| => (d/a2) = sh(|B2|) => |B2| = sh-1(d/a2) . (6.3.3)
The separation of the centers of the two round wires is b, where, again using (6.2.5),
b = |xc2 - xc1| = |d cothB2 - dcothB1| = d |cothB2 - cothB1| . (6.3.4)
208
From (6.3.2) one has
ch(K/2) = ch [|B2| -σ1|B1|]
= ch|B2| ch|B1| - σ1 sh|B2| sh|B1|
= 1+sh2B2 1+sh2B1 - σ1 sh|B2| sh|B1|
= 1+(d/a2)2 1+(d/a1)2 - σ1 (d/a2) (d/a1) . (6.3.5)
Meanwhile,
b = d |cothB2 - cothB1| = |d [ chB2/shB2 - chB1/shB1] | = |d [ ch|B2|/sh|B2| - σ1ch|B1|/sh|B1|] |
= | d [ch|B2| sh|B1| - σ1 ch|B1| sh|B2| ] / sh|B1| sh|B2| |
= | d [ 1+(d/a2)2 (d/a1) - σ1 1+(d/a1)2 (d/a2) ] / (d/a2) (d/a1) |
= | [ 1+(d/a2)2 (1/a1) - σ1 1+(d/a1)2 (1/a2) ] / (1/a2) (1/a1) |
= | [a2 1+(d/a2)2 - σ1 a1 1+(d/a1)2 ] | . (6.3.6)
Square this to get
b2 = a22[1+(d/a2)2] + a12[1+(d/a1)2] - 2σ1a1a2 1+ (d/a2)2 1+ (d/a1)2

so
2 σ1a1a2 1+ (d/a2)2 1+ (d/a1)2 = a22[1+(d/a2)2] + a12[1+(d/a1)2] - b2
= a22 + d2 + a12 + d2 - b2 = a12 + a22 + 2d2 - b2 .
The purpose of doing all this work is to obtain the following expression for the radical product,
1+ (d/a2)2 1+ (d/a1)2 = (a12 + a22 + 2d2 - b2) / (2 σ1a1a2 ) . (6.3.7)
Install this into expression (6.3.5) above for ch(K/2) to get
ch(K/2) = 1+(d/a2)2 1+(d/a1)2 - σ1 (d/a2) (d/a1)
= (a12 + a22 + 2d2 - b2) / (2 σ1a1a2 ) - 2d2/ (2σ1a2a1)
= (a12 + a22 - b2) / (2σ1a2a1) = σ1 (1/2) (a12 + a22 - b2)/(a1a2)
209
= σ1 (1/2) [ (a1/a2) + (a2/a1) - (b2/a1a2) ] (6.3.8)
and the focal distance d has vanished from the ch(K/2) expression. Therefore
K = 2 ch-1 { σ1 (1/2) [ (a1/a2) + (a2/a1) - (b2/a1a2) ] } . (6.3.9)
Notice that the result is symmetric under a1 ↔ a2 .
We now distinguish our two cases of interest. For the unequal twin-lead type transmission line of Fig 6.3
we know that B1 < 0 since the C1 circle is on the left, so σ1 = sign(B1) = - 1 and then
K = 2 ch-1 { (1/2) [ (b2/a1a2) - (a1/a2) - (a2/a1)] } // Fig 6.3 (6.3.10)
which is an amazingly simple result. Recall from (4.4.16) that
Z0 = (K / εrel ) 30Ω (4.4.16)
so then
Z0 = ch-1 { (1/2) [ (b2/a1a2) - (a1/a2) - (a2/a1)] } (1/ εrel ) 60 Ω . (6.3.11)
If the wires have diameters d1 = 2a1 and d2 = 2a2 this becomes
Z0 = ch-1 { (1/2) [ (4b2/d1d2) - (d1/d2) - (d2/d1)] } (1/ εrel ) 60 Ω . (6.3.12)
For verification, we quote again from Reference RDE page 29-23,
where our b is their D.
On the other hand, if we are interested in an off-center coaxial transmission line as in Fig 6.4, we select
C1 from the right side of Fig 6.2 and then σ1 = sign(B1) = +1 and we find
210
K = 2 ch-1 { (1/2) [ (a1/a2) + (a2/a1) - (b2/a1a2) ] } // Fig 6.4 (6.3.13)
Z0 = ch-1 { (1/2) [ (a1/a2) + (a2/a1) - (b2/a1a2) } (1/ εrel ) 60 Ω (6.3.14)
Z0 = ch-1 { (1/2) [ (d1/d2) + (d2/d1) - (4b2/d1d2) } (1/ εrel ) 60 Ω (6.3.15)
For verification, we quote again from Reference RDE page 29-24,
where we may take d = our d1 and D = our d2 and c = our b = the center-line separation.
One more case of interest falls out from this analysis. Taking B1 = 0 we have
Fig 6.5
which is a transmission line consisting of a round wire above an infinite flat plane. This is a tricky limit of
(6.3.10) where both a1→∞ and b→∞, so we ignore (6.3.10) and work from scratch. Since B1 = 0 one
finds from (6.3.2) that
K = 2B2 . (6.3.16)
But from (6.2.5),
211
x2c = d coth B2 = d chB2/shB2

a2 = d/sh(B2) . (6.3.17)
Therefore
x2c/a2 = chB2 => B2 = ch-1(x2c/a2) => K = 2 ch-1(x2c/a2) . (6.3.18)
Here x2c is the distance from the wire center line to the ground plane. Calling this h and the wire radius a,
we get the following extremely simple and exact result,
K = 2 ch-1(h/a) // wire radius a with center h over ground plane, exact

-1
Z0 = (K / εrel ) 30Ω = ch (h/a) (1/ εrel ) 60 Ω (6.3.19)
where one must have h > a to keep the wire from touching the ground plane. Using the identity ch-1x =
ln(x + x2-1 ) for x ≥ 1, one can write the above as
K = 2 ln [ (h/a) + (h/a)2-1 ] // wire radius a with center h over ground plane, exact
2
Z0 = ln [ (h/a) + (h/a) -1 ] (1/ εrel ) 60 Ω . (6.3.20)
For h >> a this becomes ("thin wire")
K = 2 ln(2h/a) // wire radius a center h over ground plane, h>> a

Z0 = ln(2h/a) (1/ εrel ) 60 Ω . (6.3.21)
For verification, we found the following web offering (where log means ln ),
http://members3.jcom.home.ne.jp/zakii/tline_e/14_microstripline_z0.htm
which results are derived using an image method to handle the ground plane.
212
For some odd reason, our usual RDE source on this subject only gives the result for h >> a . Taking d to
be the wire diameter,
Z0 = ln(4h/d) (1/ εrel ) 60 Ω
= ln(10) log (4h/d) (1/ εrel ) 60 Ω
≈ log (4h/d) (1/ εrel ) 138.2 Ω (6.3.22)
which then compare to RDE p 29-22 ,
Reader Exercise: Given φ(x) = ln(s22/s12), compute E = -∇φ , compute En = E • ^ n as the normal
electric field at the surface of C2, compute n = εdEn as the charge density on C2, then using that n, find
the "center of charge" <x> = [ ∫C2 ds x n(x) / ∫C2 ds n(x) ] and see if <x> = d. Decide whether or not it
is worth while learning how to work in bipolar coordinates to carry out this exercise. [ The solution to
this exercise appears in the author's Bipolar Coordinates document, see References. See also Section 6.5
below. ]
213
6.4 Summary of Line Parameter Results
Summary for Transmission Line with Two Round Conductors (6.4.1)
Identities: ch-1x = ln(x + x2-1 ) , x ≥ 1 ch-1x ≈ ln(2x), x >> 1

1 b a b
ch-1[ 2 ( a +b ) ] = ln a b >a>0 (4.6.6)
μd
Line Properties: C = 4πεd/K, G = 4πσd/K, Le = 4π K εd,σd,μd for dielectric (4.12.24)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
dielectric is gray
K = 2 ch-1 { (1/2) [ (b2/a1a2) - (a1/a2) - (a2/a1)] }

ai = radii b = center separation
Special case a1 = a2 = a: K = 2 ch [ (b /2a2) - 1]
-1 2
(twin-lead)
Special case b >> a1,a2: K = 4 ln(b/ a1a2 )
Special case b >> a1=a2=a: K = 4 ln(b/a)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
K = 2 ch-1 { (1/2) [ (a1/a2) + (a2/a1) - (b2/a1a2) ] }

ai = radii b = center separation
Special case b = 0 and a2> a1: K = 2 ln(a2/a1) (centered coaxial)
_________________________________________________________________________________
K = 2 ch-1(h/a) = 2 ln [ (h/a) + (h/a)2-1 ]

a = radius h = height of center over plane
Special case h >> a: K = 2 ln(2h/a) (thin wire)
214
6.5. The Proximity Effect for a Transmission Line made of Two Round Wires
This effect is discussed qualitatively in Appendix P in terms of eddy currents, and we quote the following
Figure P.13,
Fig 6.6
The effect is that for ω>0 the current density Jz is not uniform in the conductor cross sections but is larger
on the side of each conductor which faces the other conductor.
In this section we shall compute Jz over the wire cross section and perimeter to get a quantitative result.
(a) The surface charge density and its moments
On either of the conductors shown above there is some surface charge density n(θ) which has moments
called Nm and ηm in Appendix D. Using the electro-quasi-static model for a transmission line, one can
analyze the transmission line as if it were an electrostatics capacitor problem: the two cylinders form a
capacitor (per unit length). If one assumes a potential V between the conductors, one can solve the
Laplace equation to get the potential φ in the dielectric between the conductors, which φ will be constant
on the surface of either conductor. From this one may compute the electric field in the dielectric, and from
the electric field just above the conductor surfaces one can compute n(θ). This calculation is carried out in
our (downloadable) document Bipolar Coordinates and the Two-Cylinder Capacitor from which we
quote results below. Each cylinder of the transmission line is characterized by a certain value of B as
shown in Fig 6.2. In Bipolar B is called ξ which is one of the bipolar coordinates (ξ,u). The angle θ is
measured as indicated in this figure taken from Bipolar, which happens to show the two cylinders having
the same radius:
Bipolar (7.1) Fig 6.7
215
Notice that the two bipolar "focal points" are at x = ±d, while the radii of the left and right cylinders we
shall call a1 and a2. In Bipolar these parameters d, a1, a2 are called a, R1, R2.
Comment: It is shown in Bipolar Section 10 (d) that the "center of charge" for the surface charge
distribution n(θ) is in fact the focal point for each conductor.
Here is the more general picture where the cylinders have different radii. The right cylinder has bipolar
coordinate ξ2 > 0 and the left has ξ1 < 0
The angular surface charge densities on the conductors are found to be (Cou/m),
q |shξ1|
n1(ξ1,θ) = 2π chξ1+cosθ
q |shξ2|
n2(ξ2,θ) = - 2π chξ +cosθ Bipolar (10.28) (6.5.1)
2
where q is
V
q = 2πεd ξ -ξ Bipolar (10.15) (6.5.2)
2 1
and εd is for the dielectric between the conductors. Here q is the charge per unit length in z on the left
conductor so has dimensions Cou/m. The surface charge density n1 is normalized so ∫n1(θ)dθ = q so the
dimensions of n1 are Cou/m. The true charge density is n1(θ) = n1(θ)/a1 Cou/m2.
The capacitance per unit length is then
216
1
C = q/V = 2πεd ξ -ξ . dim(εd) = farad/m Bipolar (10.16) (6.5.3)
2 1
This is in agreement with (6.3.2) which says K = 2(B2-B1) = 2(ξ2-ξ1) and (4.12.24) that C = 4πεd/K .
Notice that for fixed q the charge distribution on each conductor is independent of the ξ value of the other
conductor. Thus, if the battery in Fig 6.8 is disconnected (to maintain a constant q), n1(ξ1,θ) does not
change if ξ2 is varied.
Using (D.1.5b) the moments of the surface charge distribution n1(ξ1,θ) are computed in Bipolar Appendix
A and are found to be,
ηm ≡ Nm/N0 = (-1)m e-|mξ1| . Bipolar (A.12) (6.5.4)
Using (D.1.5a) one then finds,
∞
n1(ξ1,θ) = (q/2π)[ 1 + 2 ∑ (-1)m e-m|ξ1| cos(mθ) ] . Bipolar (A.13) (6.5.5)
m=1
and in Bipolar Appendix A it is verified that this series sums to the expression in (6.5.1).
For small ξ1 (closely spaced) there are many significant partial waves in the sum. At θ = 0 the partial
waves tend to cancel due to the alternating signs of the terms due to (-1)m, whereas at θ = π the terms
reinforce. As expected, the charge density peaks on the side of the conductor facing the other conductor.
Here are plots of the charge distribution n1(ξ1,θ) (6.5.1) for various values of ξ1 and for fixed q (q/2π=1):
217
And here are some equations of interest ( also stated in Bipolar (11.3) ),
a1 = - d/shξ1 // radius of left circle (6.3.3)

a2 = d/shξ2 // radius of right circle (6.3.3)
b = d (cothξ2 - cothξ1) // distance between center lines (6.3.4) (6.5.6)
and the inverse equations,
d = (1/2b) b2 - (a2+a1)2 b2 - (a2-a1)2

ξ1 = - sh-1 (d/a1)
ξ2 = sh-1 (d/a2) . Bipolar (11.10) (6.5.7)
The first equation of the second set determines the bipolar focal distance d from the two cylinder radii a1
and a2 and the distance b between their center lines. For a1 = a2 = a this says d = (1/2) b2-4a2 .
(b) The Proximity Effect
Appendix D computes the E fields inside a round wire of radius a in terms of the surface charge moments
ηm under the assumption that a wave ej(ωt-kz) is traveling down the wire. We first remind the reader of
the parameters involved. From (D.2.2),
β'2 ≡ β2 - k2 (D.2.2)
where
β = ej3π/4 ( 2 /δ) = (j-1) / δ = ej3π/4 ωμσ (2.2.30)
k = -j zy = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) . (5.3.5)
(6.5.8)
Here β is the wavenumber in the conductor medium shown in (1.5.1c), while k is a low-loss effective
wavenumber for the transmission line wave having the form ej(ωt-kz). Although k is a free parameter in
Appendix D, it is forced equal to -j zy in Chapter 5 where the Helmholtz equation is separated into
longitudinal and transverse parts. This identification k = -j zy is established only for high frequencies
(= low-loss), but can be assumed approximately true at lower frequencies. This subject is discussed in
detail in Section D.11 (a), and the high and low ω limits of k are obtained in Appendix Q.
Now, since n(θ) is real and an even function of θ for our two-cylinder transmission line, η-m = ηm and
from (D.10.4a) the longitudinal electric field Ez(r,θ) is shown to be (fm a few lines below),
∞
Ez(r,θ) = (1/4) B (ωa) (β'/k) [ f0(r) + 2 Σm=1 fm(r) ηm cos(mθ) ] . (D.10.4a)
where B ≡ (ξd/εd) CV Rdc = [ 1+ (σd/εd)/jω ] CV (1/σπa2) . (6.5.9)
Using (6.5.4) for the ηm and multiplying overall by σ to get Jz = σEz, one finds
∞
Jz(r,θ) = (1/4) σ B (ωa) (β'/k) [ f0(r) + 2 Σm=1 (-1)m e-m|ξ1| fm(r) cos(mθ) ] . (6.5.10)
218
The leading factors we combine into a function F(ω) so that,
∞
Jz(r,θ) = F(ω) [ f0(r) + 2 Σm=1 (-1)m e-m|ξ1| fm(r) cos(mθ) ] (6.5.11)
where
F(ω) ≡ (1/4) σ B (ωa) (β'/k) β'2 = β2 - k2 β = ej3π/4 ( 2 /δ)
Jm(x) Jm(x)
fm(r) ≡ [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] x = β'r xa = β'a . (6.5.12)
m+1 a m-1 a
Jz(r,θ) is the longitudinal current density in the left round conductor (the one with ξ1 < 0) and just the fact
that it is not constant in θ and r shows that we have a proximity effect as illustrated in Fig 6.6 above. We
refer to this current density Jz as being "asymmetric" as opposed to "uniform".
For large ω we know (see below (D.2.2)) that k ≈ βd0 and | k/β | << 1 so β' ≈ β = ej3π/4 ( 2 /δ). In the
following plots, we shall assume this large ω regime, and shall set F(ω) = 1 to produce normalized plots.
(c) Plots of the Proximity and Skin Effects
First, it is helpful to have a plot showing the conductors for various values of ξ so one can get a feel for
how "fat" the cylinders are relative to their separation distance (same as Fig 6.2),
In Maple code we first enter all the expressions of interest:
Jz = (6.5.11) β = (6.5.8) fm = (6.5.12) ηm = (6.5.4) x = βr xa = βa
219
Next, specific parameters are entered (xi1 = ξ1 = -1 and δ/a = 1/10),
The first plot is of |Jz(r,θ)| where the axes are r and θ :
Fig 6.11
This shows the general peaking of |Jz(r,θ)| at θ = π (see Fig 6.7) , but the plot we really want to see is
|Jz(r,θ)| displayed over the cross section of the round wire:
220
|Jz| Distribution in left round wire for a = 10, δ = 1 and ξ1 = - 1.00 Fig 6.12
Observations:
• The skin effect for |Jz| appropriate to δ/a = 1/10 is seen in the cross section. The "bottom" of the plot is
flat at value 0 and indicates no current in the central conductor region -- all current is in the sheath of
thickness ≈ 1 just inside the wire radius a = 10.
• The distribution is strongly peaked on the side of the conductor facing the other conductor; this is the
proximity effect (currents in opposite directions), though some authors include the skin effect as part of
the proximity effect.
• Using the formula given in (P.10.7),
E(Jz2)
R = Rdc [E(J )]2 , (P.10.7)
z
one can compute the effective wire resistance R > Rdc using (6.5.11) for Jz. The high and low ω limits of
fm and Jz = σEz appearing in Appendix D.10 and D.11 simplify this task.
We now present a few such plots for different values of δ and ξ1. First, for δ/a = 1/10 and ξ1 = -3 :
221
Here, for two equal-radius round wires of ξ1= -3 and ξ2= 3, the wires are "far apart" (see Fig 6.10 above).
The proximity effect is still present as shown in the lower left picture (larger at x = 10 than at x = -10),
but the effect is small. On the other hand, the skin effect is still strongly in evidence, and again the entire
current is in a sheath just inside r = a = 10 of thickness about δ = 1 unit.
Next is an example with δ/a = 1/2 and ξ1 = -1 :
In the central drawing we are looking into the bowl of the distribution from above. Since δ/a = 1/2 now,
the skin effect is much less pronounced: Jz is no longer 0 in the central region as shown on the right.
There is only a shallow "lip" around the bowl edge suggesting some skin effect. On the other hand, the
222
proximity effect is still strong since for ξ1 = -1 and ξ2 = 1 the wires are fairly close together as shown in
Fig 6.10. For such wires, using (6.5.6),
|cschξ1| |csch(-1)| csch(1) 1

a/b = a1/b = cothξ -cothξ = coth(1)-coth(-1) = 2 coth(1) = 2cosh(1) = 0.324
2 1
==> b/a = 3.08 and b/(2a) = 1.54
so the ratio of wire center separation to wire diameter is about 1.5 (which agrees with ruler measurements
made on Fig 6.10 above). The two conductors touch when this ratio drops to 1.0.
In the next plot, we have a = 10 and δ = 1, but now we plot the value of |Jz| at r = a going around the
perimeter of the conductor for a set of different ξ1 values:
Fig 6.15
These plots of |Jz| bear a strong resemblance to the surface charge density plots shown above in Fig 6.9
for the same set of ξ1 values. It is shown in (D.10.15) that in the extreme skin effect regime one has
a (1+j)(r-a)/δ
Jz(r,θ) = - (jω) (β/βd0) r e n(θ) large ω (D.10.15) (6.5.13)
so we are not surprised to see that Jz(r,θ) tracks n(θ) in this manner. In the following section, we derive
the above tracking relationship directly from div E = 0 .
223
(d) The relationship between Jz(a,θ) and n(θ) obtained from div E = 0
Here, assuming the skin effect regime and making a few assumptions, we obtain (6.5.13) directly from the
div E = 0 equation and the two Appendix D boundary conditions, just to provide some intuition about the
linkage between Jz and n(θ).
The charge pumping boundary condition of Appendix D says (r = a means r = a-ε, and σd = G = 0),
Er(r=a,θ) = (jω/σ) n(θ) (D.2.24) (6.5.14)
so the pattern of n(θ) is directly mapped to Er(r=a,θ) at the surface by charge conservation there. But we
are interested in Ez since our current density of interest is Jz = σEz. The condition div E = 0 in cylindrical
coordinates reads,
∂r (r Er(r,θ,z)) + ∂θEθ(r,θ,z) + r ∂zEz(r,θ,z) = 0 .
The second Appendix D boundary condition is (D.2.27) which follows from (3.7.0) that Eθ(a,θ) = 0 at the
surface, so ∂θEθ(r,θ) = 0 as well.. Then for r just below the surface one expects,
∂r (r Er(r,θ,z)) + r ∂zEz(r,θ,z) ≈ 0 // near r = a
∂r (r Er(r,θ)) - jk r Ez(r,θ) ≈0 // using ∂z → -jk, see (D.1.16), then cancel ejkz factors
Ez(r,θ) ≈ (1/jk) (1/r) ∂r (r Er(r,θ)) . // near r = a (6.5.15)
which then relates Ez to Er near the surface. For the symmetric-environment round wire (2.2.29) showed
that
J0(βr)
Ez(r) = Ez(a) J (βa) . (2.2.29)
0
Taking the large argument limits of the two Bessel functions using (2.3.3) and (2.3.6), one finds that in
the skin effect regime,
a (r-a)/δ j(r-a)/δ
Ez(r,θ) ≈ Ez(a,θ) r e e (6.5.16)
which has the same general form as the simple result (2.1.8) with x = a-r which is e-x/δ e-jx/δ and is also
consistent with (2.3.7) for magnitude. If one blindly assumes this same equation applies for Er(r,θ) and
Er(a,θ), then
Er(r,θ) ≈ Er(a,θ) r e e . (6.5.17)
224
Then (6.5.15) says [ since now at large ω (skin effect regime), k ≈ βd0 ],
a (r-a)/δ j(r-a)/δ r=a

Ez(a,θ) = (1/jk) Er(a,θ)[ (1/r) ∂r (r r e e )]|
= (1/jak) Er(a,θ) [1/2 + (1+j)a/δ ] (6.5.18)
where the derivative is done by Maple,
Using in (6.5.18) the charge pumping boundary condition (6.5.14) that Er(a,θ) = (jω/σ) n(θ), one obtains
Ez(a,θ) = (1/ja k) {(jω/σ) n(θ)} [1/2 + (1+j)a/δ ]
= (1/ja k) {(jω/σ) n(θ)} (1+j)a/δ ] // ignore 1/2 relative to a/δ
= (1/jk) {(ω/σ) n(θ)} (j-1)/ δ ]
= (1/jk) {(ω/σ) n(θ)} β ] // (6.5.8)
= (-jω/σ) (β/k) n(θ) . (6.5.19)
Putting this into (6.5.16) then gives
Ez(r,θ) ≈ (-jω/σ) (β/k) n(θ) r e e // k ≈ βd0 (6.5.20)
which agrees with our earlier result (6.5.13) quoted from Appendix D. Although we just guessed at the
form (6.5.17), that form is verified in box (D.10.13). The bottom line here is that Ez (and thus Jz) "tracks"
n(θ) for its θ dependence and this fact is forced by div E = 0 and the two boundary conditions at r = a.
Notice that large ω (skin effect regime) was assumed in this derivation.
225
(e) The Proximity Effect At Low Frequencies
As discussed in Section D.11(a) (and Chapter 7) the Appendix D ansatz that the transmission line fields
has the simple z dependence e-jkz is incorrect at low frequencies. This is so because the physics-derived
transmission line equations (4.12.17) which imply this z dependence are themselves inaccurate at low
frequencies. Thus, although we might expect our transmission line theory to be approximately accurate at
low frequencies, we should be prepared for incorrect predictions. One such anomaly is noted in (D.11.15)
where the theory blindly extended down to very low frequencies (near and at DC) says,
I ∞
Jz(r,θ) = πa2 [ 1 + ∑ ηm (r/a)m (m+1) cos(mθ) ] (D.11.15)
m=1
and for the two-cylinder transmission line (6.5.4) gives
I ∞
Jz(r,θ) = πa2 [ 1 + ∑ (-1)m e-m|ξ1| (r/a)m (m+1) cos(mθ) ] . (6.5.21)
m=1
In the DC limit, and very close to it, we expect the longitudinal current Jz= σEz to be completely uniform
across the conductor cross section (non-conducting dielectric), and we should then have only the "1" term
shown above. Yet the above expression says Jz is non-uniform since it is a function of r and θ. For closely
spaced conductors (small ξ1), the predicted non-uniformity is quite dramatic and gives plots similar to
those shown earlier.
We know that for the problem of two parallel cylindrical conductors (or any uniform parallel
conductors) which carry I and -I (perhaps they are shorted together at one end) , Jz is uniform at DC. We
know this because at ω= 0 there are no eddy currents induced by one wire into the other (or by one wire
into itself). The DC B field of wire #2 has no influence on the current density distribution Jz(r,θ) in wire
#1. It does induce a tiny Hall charge onto the surface of wire #1 and a corresponding transverse Hall E
field, since the B field of wire #2 temporarily deflects electrons in wire #1 (see Appendix N for various
Hall examples). This tiny deflection effect is mentioned in the text below Fig P.12 in Appendix P, but
there is no effect on the Jz distribution. From a current density standpoint, Jz in wire #1 doesn't even
know that wire #2 is present, so wire #2 could just as well be removed. The isolated wire #1 then if round
(Chapter 2) would certainly have a current distribution at DC that was independent of θ.
So we accept that our theory makes this incorrect prediction as ω→ 0 and we chalk it up to the
expected inaccuracy of the theory at low ω. This anomaly is somewhat softened when we remember that
our theory only applies to infinite transmission lines, or finite transmission lines terminated in the correct
Z0. As ω→0, that correct Z0 → ∞ (non-conducting dielectric) and the current in the wire I→ 0. In the
case of a conducting dielectric, we might expect a non-uniformity in Jz. The theory prediction is (D.11.9)
in this case and the accuracy of this prediction is left as an unresolved Reader Exercise at the end of
Appendix D. The low ω behavior of our theory is investigated more in Chapter 7.
In a proper treatment of the fixed-load finite-length two-cylinder transmission line problem, as ω→0
one would see the eddy currents gradually decrease, one would arrive at a DC current I ≠ 0, and one
would have Jz → uniform. A solution to this problem could be based on the eddy current methods
226
outlined qualitatively in Appendix P and is no doubt available somewhere in the literature. This solution
would then show the proximity and skin effects gradually vanishing as ω→ 0, leaving a uniform Jz.
(f) Active perimeter p and Zs for a two-cylinder transmission line
This active perimeter p was roughly illustrated for same-radius cylinders in Fig 2.16,
First, recall these high-frequency results for such a transmission line,
Ez(a,θ) = (-jω/σ) (β/βd0) n(θ) // Ez just below the surface (6.5.19)

shξ2
n(θ) = (-q/2π)(1/a) chξ +cosθ // n = n2 (6.5.1)
2
∞
= (-q/2π)(1/a)[ 1 + 2 ∑ (-1)m e-mξ2 cos(mθ) ] (6.5.5)
m=1
where ξ2 > 0 is for the right conductor in Fig. 6.7 and the fact that n = n/a2. For this right conductor,
(charge -q) these expressions take their maximum values when θ = π :
shξ2
Ez(a,θ)max = Ez(a,π) = (-jω/σ) (β/βd0) n(π) n(π) = (-q/2π)(1/a) chξ -1 . (6.5.22)
2
Meanwhile, the average values are
< Ez(a,θ)> = (-jω/σ) (β/βd0) <n(θ)> with
<n(θ)> = (-q/2π)(1/a) . // (D.1.8) with q→ -q (6.5.23)
Thus,
< Ez(a,θ)> <n(θ)> chξ2-1

Ez(a,θ)max = n(π) = shξ2 . (6.5.24)
Our active perimeter distance p is defined in (4.12.10) as [ using Zs(θ) = Ez(a,θ)/ I ]
Zs <Zs(θ)> <Ez(a,θ)> chξ2-1

p≡ Z P = Z P = E P = shξ 2πa . // P = 2πa (6.5.25)
smax smax zmax 2
227
Using
shξ2 = (d/a) (6.5.6)

b = 2d cothξ2 = 2d chξ2/shξ2 // a1 = a2 so |ξ1| = |ξ2| (6.5.6)
2 2
d = (1/2) b -4a (6.5.7)
one finds that
chξ2 = (b/2d) shξ2 = (b/2d)(d/a) = b/2a . (6.5.26)
Therefore
chξ2-1 (b/2a)-1 b-2a b-2a b-2a 1-2a/b

p = shξ 2πa = (d/a) 2πa = 2d = 2 2 2πa = 2πa = 2πa
2 b -4a b+2a 1+2a/b
1-2a/b
= 2πae where ae = a . (6.5.27)
1+2a/b
Using Ez from (6.5.23) we next compute the average Zs quantity defined in (4.12.9) :
Zs ≡ <Zs(θ)> = < Ez(a,θ)>/I = (-jω/σ) (β/βd0) (-q/2π)(1/a)/I . (6.5.28)
But using (4.11.17) that I = (-q) vd along with βd0 = ω/vd and β = (j-1)/δ, this becomes,
Zs ≡ <Zs(θ)> = -(jω/σ) (j-1)/δ * (vd/ω) (1/a) (-q/2π) (-1/qvd)
1
= -(j/σ) (j-1)/δ * (1/a) (1/2π) = (-j) (j-1) (1/2πaσδ) = 2πaσδ (1 + j) . (6.5.29)
This is the same high-ω result found in (2.4.16) for the axially symmetric round wire situation. In the
closely-spaced transmission line, Zs(θ) is very large near θ = π, but is very small near θ = 0, but the
average is the same as for a wide-spaced transmission line where each round wire is effectively in
isolation. This average Zs is what we use in (4.12.16) to evaluate the transmission line parameters. This
calculation already accounts for the "proximity effect" since that effect is built into the theory as shown in
the various plots of section (c) above. One can say that
P a 1 a
Zsmax = Zs p = Zs a = 2πaσδ (1 + j) a (6.5.30)
e e
which perhaps is the meaning of King's equation (46) quoted below.

On page 30 of TLT King discusses the notion of an effective radius ae but his expression for ae is
ae = a 1-(2a/b)2 King (45)
228
and it is not clear how his perimeter 2πae is defined. King's expression for ae at least agrees with ours in
the two important cases b→∞ (ae = a) and b→2a (ae = 0). He is quoting work from other people in this
section, and we leave the reader to ponder King's comments directly. His "internal impedance" zi is the
same as our "surface impedance" Zs. [We were unable to access King's two references shown below. ]
229
(g) The Proximity Effect For Currents in the Same Direction
Our theory does not model this situation. If the currents in the two conductors are in the same direction,
we don't even have a transmission line. However, one could regard two such conductors as the central
conductors of a coaxial cable with a distant return sheath :
Fig 6.16
We then have a transmission line, and it has an associated "capacitor problem" which one could solve to
determine the potential, the E field, and finally the surface charge n(θ) on each central conductor. From
that one could compute the moments ηm and from that the current distributions Jz(r,θ) in the two wires
using the methods given above. Even if the two central conductors touch, the problem is well defined and
non-singular (unlike our regular twin-lead transmission line problem). We know from Fig P.12 that the
currents will be largest near the surfaces most distant from the other conductor. Conceptually this can be
regarded as just the skin effect applied to the composite central conductor. Multiple central conductor
strands could be treated in principle in the same manner. This is the subject of the paper by Smith
mentioned in Appendix P.9.
230
Chapter 7: The Low Frequency Limit of the Theory
By "the theory" we mean a combination of the developments of Chapters 1 through 6 on transmission

lines, and the development of Appendix D which describes the E fields inside a round wire. It would seem
to be a simple process to take the various results of this theory and evaluate expressions in the limit ω→ 0
(the DC limit). However, carrying out and interpreting this task is like trying to run lengthwise through a
Pyracantha hedge in one's birthday suit. The theory has many moving parts, and each attempted step
forward seems to result in a newfound pain. In this chapter we shall explore this low-frequency issue in as
systematic a fashion as possible. We shall show that our entire theory is invalid as ω→0, and shall
conjecture why that is the case.
7.1 A Review of Appendix D
Since the reader has likely not read the very long Appendix D, we summarize it here.
The appendix considers a round wire of radius a which is one conductor of an infinite transmission
line. The other conductor(s) may or may not be round in cross section.
A cylindrical coordinate system is set up in the round conductor with the conductor center line as the
z axis. The azimuthal angle θ is replaced by an integer m in a complex Fourier Series transform, for
∞
example f(θ) = Σm=-∞ ejmθ F(m). This has the benefit of allowing the replacement of ∂θ in "θ space" by
∞
jm in "m space": ∂θf(θ) = Σm=-∞ ejmθ [jmF(m)].
Time dependence of everything is taken to be ejωt.
We then consider a set of four equations, two boundary conditions, and a special ansatz.
(a) The Four Equations
One of the four equations is div E = 0, which we presume is true inside our conducting round wire. We
ignore the miniscule deviation due to the radial Hall effect described in Appendix N.7 which causes a tiny
charge density ρ to exist inside the conductor. The other three equations are (∇2 + β2) E = 0 which is a
vector Helmholtz equation treated in cylindrical coordinates. This vector equation is of course three
separate equations, two of which cross-couple field components. Parameter β is the wavenumber inside
the conductor and for all practical purposes we know from (1.5.1d) that that β2 = - jωμσ where μ and σ
are the magnetic permeability and electrical conductivity of the conductor, which we often imagine to be
made of copper which has μ = μ0.
(b) The Two Boundary Conditions
The first boundary condition is charge conservation at the wire surface r = a. If the dielectric is a vacuum,
this boundary condition takes the form Er(r=a,θ) = (jω/σ) n(θ) in θ-space, and Er(r=a,m) = (jω/σ) Nm in
m-space, where Nm are the Fourier Series projections of the surface charge n(θ). Location a really means
a-ε, a point just below the surface. The idea is that the charge on the surface is fed by the radial current
just below the surface, so Jr(r=a-ε,θ) = jω n(θ), which would say Jr = ∂tn(θ) in the time domain. One
might fairly wonder about the validity of this condition, imagining that n(θ) could also be fed by surface
currents flowing in either the θ or z direction. By surface currents, we do not mean the skin effect current
sheath which exists at large ω; we refer instead to the current of the actual free surface charge on the
231
conductor surface moving around, and we refer to such currents as Debye surface currents, since the
surface charge has a tiny thickness on the order of the Debye length (Appendix E). We have convinced
ourselves that such surface currents are not large enough compared to the bulk conductor currents to alter
the boundary condition, but it is not a slam dunk argument, and the reader is referred to our fretting in
Section D.9. In Section D.9 (d) this boundary condition is generalized for a conducting dielectric.
The second boundary condition is that the azimuthal tangential electric field Eθ must vanish at the
round wire surface. This is written Eθ(r=a,θ) = 0 in θ-space and Eθ(r=a,m) = 0 in m-space. The main
argument here is that up to quite a large frequency one has a quasi-electrostatic situation in this θ
dimension of the problem, and any surface Eθ field that might appear would be instantly neutralized by an
adjustment of the free surface charges on the conductor surface. Again, the argument is not a slam dunk,
and the reader is referred to our further fretting in Section D.8.
(c) The e-jkz Ansatz
In addition to our four equations and two boundary conditions, we make a rather brutal assumption at the
start of Appendix D which is this: the z dependence of all three E field components is the same and is
given by e-jkz where k is some complex number. This is our "traveling wave ansatz" since it then implies
that the E field components in θ-space have the form Ei(r,θ,z,t) = ej(ωt-kz) Ei(r,θ), and we just replace
θ by m for m-space. Here (as usual) we use the overloaded notation of Section 1.6 (f).
We select e-jkz instead of e+jkz to have a wave that travels in the +z direction for Re(k) > 0.
This then injects an unspecified constant k into the machinery of Appendix D. We imagine that in the
dielectric there exists a moving field pattern of strong E and B fields which slides down the transmission
line. In order to match fields at the conductor boundary, these external fields must also have the traveling
wave form ej(ωt-kz) with the same constant k, a point we return to momentarily.
Within the context of the round wire and ignoring what is going on outside, any value of k is viable in
solving our set of 4 equations, 2 boundary conditions, and the e-jkz ansatz. Since the four equations are
linear, new solutions can be formed by superposing solutions with different values of k.
In fact, the Ez equation is just a scalar Helmholtz equation (∇2 + β2)Ez = 0 (since Ez is a Cartesian
coordinate). This equation is "separable" and any solution must be writable as a linear combination of the
equation's atomic forms (harmonics). In this case those atoms are [ ejmθ ] [ Jm( β2-k2 r)] [e-jkz ]. We
then recognize m and k as the two "separation constants". Since the geometry requires all θ dependence
to be periodic in θ with period 2π, constant m must be an integer, and we identify this with our m-space
"m" already discussed. Similarly, we identify separation constant k with the k in our ansatz e-jkz. To
really be complete, we let m take all integral values and k take all real values. Ym( β2-k2 r) is rejected
since it blows up at r = 0 which is the center of the physical wire.
So in general, whatever Ez(r,θ.z) is inside the round wire, one must be able to write it this way
∫-∞
∞ ∞
Ez(r,θ.z) = Σm=-∞ dk Amk ejmθ Jm( β2-k2 r) e-jkz
where Amk are appropriate coefficients. In Appendix D, we take a particular value of k so we don't have
this general ∫dk integration appearing, but we must allow in a general sense that it could be required to
produce a viable solution for the transmission line.
232
Given then this discussion of the atomic forms of the scalar Ez Helmholtz equation, our ansatz that
the z dependence is e-jkz seems slightly less "brutal", and slightly more justifiable. The idea that a single
value of k might suffice for the problem solution (finding the E fields inside the conductor) is then based
on the idea that this internal k must be the same as the external k which arises in the transmission line
dielectric region. Either from the physics model of Chapters 4 and 5, or from the electrical engineering
network model of Appendix K, we have this familiar form for k
k = -j zy = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC)
and to get the internal/external boundary condition to match, this is the k we use for the k of the interior
solution. Note that the network model with its lumped components says nothing about E fields inside
conductors. It is a model for the action in the dielectric.
"Where does the above expression for k come from?", the reader might ask. In both the physics model
and the network model, one obtains certain "transmission line equations" of first and second order,
dV(z) d
di(z) d
dz = - yV(z) (dz2 - zy) i(z) = 0 y = G +jωC (4.12.15), (4.12.17) , (4.12.16)
In Appendix K these appear as (K.5) and (K.6). Looking at the second order equations, one sees that both
V(z) and i(z) must have the form e-jkz where k2 = - zy, and this basically forces all E and B fields to
have this same form. This then dovetails perfectly with our e-jkz ansatz and furthermore provides a
specific formula for k. It all seems so nice!
(d) The Appendix D E-field Solutions
Grinding through Appendix D, one obtains the following exact E and B field component expressions
which solve the above stated problem :
Summary of E and B fields inside a round wire (D.9.39)
Ez(r,m) = (1/4) ηm B (ω/k) (aβ') fm x = β'r xa = β'a β'2 = β2 - k2

Er(r,m) = (j/4) ηm B (ωa) gm
Eθ(r,m) = (1/4) ηm B (ωa) hm B ≡ (ξd/εd) CV Rdc
Bz(r,m) = (j/4) (a) ηm B ( β' em ) (ξd/εd) = 1 + (G/jωC)

Br(r,m) = - (1/4) (a) ηm B (1/k) ( r-1m β' fm + k2 hm )
Bθ(r,m) = (j/4) (a) ηm B (1/k) ( k2 gm - β'2fm [ (m/x) - Jm+1(x)/Jm(x)] ) ηm = Nm/N0
Jm(x) Jm(x) Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x) 1

em = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] gm = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] Rdc = σπa2
m+1 a m-1 a m+1 a m-1 a
Jm(x) Jm(x) Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
fm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] hm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] G≥0
m+1 a m-1 a m+1 a m-1 a
233
7.2 First Sign of Trouble: Jz Asymmetry at DC
As a simple "check" on our theory, it seems reasonable to casually take ω→0 and make sure the obvious
DC results are replicated. As we now show, something is wrong with this limit.
Using Ez from the above box, consider this ratio, where we have canceled all common factors,
Ez(r,m) fm(x,xa) Jm(x) Jm(x)

Ez(r,0) = ηm f0(x,xa) , fm(x,xa) = [ J (x ) -
m+1 a Jm-1(xa) ] , x = β'r , xa = β'a . (7.2.1)
Let us assume that as ω→0, β' → β'0, some finite value. One then finds that
Ez(r,m) fm(β'0r, β'0a) Jm(x) Jm(x)

Limω→0 E (r,0) = ηm f (β' r, β' a) fm(x,xa) = [ J (x ) - Jm-1(xa) ] . (7.2.2)
z 0 0 0 m+1 a
This ratio does not vanish as ω→0! It is some complicated function of β'0,m, r and a. The moments ηm
do not vanish for m ≠ 0, see for example (6.5.4) for two round wires.
Suppose β'0 is very small such that | β'0a | << 1. Then we can use these Section D.11 limits of the fm
functions for small argument,
fm → (r/a)|m| (|m|+1) (2/β'a) f0 → 4/(aβ') (D.11.6)
to find that
Ez(r,m) (r/a)|m| (|m|+1)

Limω→0 E (r,0) ≈ ηm 2 | β'0a | << 1 (7.2.3)
z
where the fact that the ratio is non-zero is quite explicit and dramatic.
This ratio is the same even if β'0 = 0.
If at DC we have Ez(r,m) ≠ 0, there must be some cos(mθ) component in Jz = σEz and therefore the
current density Jz is not uniform over the round wire cross section. It happens that the current I → 0 for a
transmission line having conductance G = 0 (since Z0→∞) , but we would expect that very close to ω = 0
we should see Jz at least approaching uniformity on the cross section, but that is not happening.
Our conclusion is that, according to our theory, regardless of the value of β' = β2-k2 as ω→0, the above
ratio is non-zero. The implication is that Ez and therefore the current distribution Jz = σEz is not uniform
over the round wire cross section at DC!
We know that this conclusion is incorrect and that in fact Jz is uniform across a wire cross section at DC.
We know this from eddy current arguments as in Appendix P, and from the proof which follows in the
next section. Therefore, something is wrong with our theory as ω→ 0, the first sign of trouble.
234
Superposition does not help.
The above conclusion is unchanged even if we allow a superposition of k values for Ez (and thereby don't
invoke any connection between k and k(ω) = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) ). Such a superposition really makes
no sense since we really want to match interior and exterior boundary conditions and have k = k(ω), but
we discuss it anyway just to show that, even if it could somehow make sense, it still results in an
asymmetric Jz at ω = 0.
In order to find the nature of a possible k-superposed solution, we require it to satisfy these two boundary
conditions,
Er(r=a-ε,θ,z) = (jω/σ) n(θ,z,ω) = (jω/σ) n(θ) c(z,ω)

Er(r=a-ε,θ,z) = 0 (7.2.4)
where the new feature is that c(z,ω) describes how the surface charge density varies with z. For the single-
k solution we of course have c(z,ω) = e-jkz. It is useful to define C(k,ω) as the Fourier Transform of
c(z,ω) with the convention of (1.6.8),
C(k,ω) = (1/2π) ∫dz ejkz c(z,ω) . (7.2.5)
We shall now skip a few details and just outline the development. We first assume that
Ez(r,m,z) = ∫dk dm(k,ω) e-jkz Jm(β'r) (7.2.6)
which is the most general form noted above, and we then determine dm(k,ω) using the Helmholtz
equations and div E = 0 and the two boundary conditions noted above. We find that dm(k,ω) = Czm, a
constant appearing in (D.2.4) which we also identify with Czm = (1/2j)(β'/k)Km as in (D.2.9). We end up
with unknown constants am and Km just as we do in (D.2.21). It turns out, however, that these am and Km
have an extra factor of C(k,ω) [ the Fourier Transform of c(z,ω) above] relative to the coefficients stated
in (D.2.28). The continuous superposition solution which solves this problem is then the following
Ez(r,m,z) = ∫dk C(k,ω) e-jkz Ez(r,m; single-k) (7.2.7)
where Ez(r,m; single-k) is what appears in (D.9.39) quoted above,
Ez(r,m; single-k) = (1/4) ηm B (ω/k) (aβ') fm (D.2.33) (7.2.8)
where
Jm(x) Jm(x)
fm = [ J (x ) - Jm-1(xa) ] , x = β'r , xa = β'a , β' = β2-k2 .
m+1 a
We then find from the last two equations that
235
Ez(r,m,z) ∫dk C(k,ω) e-jkz Ez(r,m; single-k) ∫dk C(k,ω) e-jkz (β'/k) fm
Ez(r,0,z) = ηm = ηm (7.2.9)
∫dk C(k,ω) e -jkz
Ez(r,0; single-k) ∫dk C(k,ω) e -jkz
(β'/k) f0
where β' = β2-k2 . Taking ω→0 causes β→ 0 since β2 = jμσω, so β' → jk. In this limit,
Ez(r,m,z) ∫dk' C(k',0) e-jk'z fm

Limω→0 E (r,0,z) = ηm // β' = jk' inside fm and f0 (7.2.10)
z
∫dk' C(k',0) e-jk'z f0
where fm and f0 are complicated functions of β' = jk', r and a. Just looking at the z dependence and
ignoring all the rest, one sees that the numerator only vanishes if C(k',0) ≡ 0, giving a limit of 0 / 0 which
is meaningless. Also, if C(k',0) = 0, it must be that c(z,0) = 0 and then n(θ,z) = 0 and the transmission line
has no surface charge. This is impossible since at DC it is a capacitor driven by voltage V.
The point is that the superposition idea does not cause the ratio Jz(r,m,z) / Jz(r,0,z) to vanish as ω→0,
and therefore even with a superposition solution (were it even sensible) one cannot eliminate the
paradoxical result that Jz is non-uniform across the round wire cross section at DC.
Taking C(k',0) = δ(k'-k) reproduces the single-k ratio appearing earlier in (7.2.2).
An interesting superposition is to try C(k',0) = A(k')δ(k'-k) + B(k')δ(k'+k) which is then a sum of
oppositely directed waves on the transmission line. One can construct a reflection scenario where the
transmission line voltage vanishes at some z = L where we assume the presence of a shorting bar. In this
reflection scenario, it is possible to have a finite current I in the transmission line, but the Jz asymmetry
still persists as ω→0, as it does for any superposed solution. But we know that for two parallel round
wires carrying a finite current I and -I at DC, the current density Jz should be uniform over the cross
section.
7.3 A proof that Jz must be uniform at DC
Most readers would agree that the current in any uniform wire is evenly spread out over the cross section
of the wire at DC. This seems a natural result, but still it is not totally obvious. For example, the electrons
in our transmission line's round wire experience the magnetic field of both the round wire and the other
conductor. This magnetic field causes an initial transverse deflection of the flowing conduction electrons
due to the Lorentz force acting on them. But this deflection ceases when tiny charges accumulate on the
wire surfaces which create a transverse electric field which then neutralizes the deflection. There is then
"no reason" for the current to be non-uniform. This DC Hall effect is described in much detail in
Appendix N.
Perhaps a better explanation is in terms of the eddy current analysis of Appendix P. In that Appendix, all
Jz asymmetry in a round wire (skin effect and proximity effect) is associated with eddy currents, and eddy
currents vanish at DC.
236
Since we have found anomalous Jz behavior of our Appendix D theory as ω → 0, we want to examine the
Appendix D method where we start off at ω = 0 instead of obtaining a result for ω>0 and then taking the
limit ω→ 0. It should be useful to see exactly what happens in this approach.
Since β2 = -jωμσ from (1.5.1d), the vector Helmholtz equation (∇2+β2)E = 0 becomes a vector Laplace
equation ∇2E = 0. At ω = 0 we have
k(ω) = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) → -j RG => k = -j RG (7.3.1)
R + jωL
Z0(ω) = G + jωC → R/G => Z0 = R/G . (7.3.2)
The current I is then finite,
I = V/Z0 = V G/R . (7.3.3)
At this point, we imagine that G is extremely small but non-zero (perhaps G = 10-18 mho/m) , so the
current I is then very small but non-zero. Since k = -j RG ≈ 0 (R is likely also small), we take ∂z → -jk
≈ 0 wherever it appears. Since k = k(ω) ≈ 0, the ansatz factor e-jkz ≈ 1, and there is no z-dependence in
the problem. Yes, moving a great distance down the line there is a very slight exponential decay in all
fields due to Im(k) = - RG , but we shall just ignore this slight decay. Since ∂z → 0 wherever it appears,
we will replace ∇2 by its 2D version ∇22D in the vector Laplace equation examined below.
The two Appendix D boundary conditions (D.2.24) and (D.2.27) in θ space become, since ω = 0,
Er(r=a,θ) = 0 no charge pumping at DC since n(θ) is constant

Eθ(r=a,θ) = 0 surface charge adjusts to make this be so (7.3.4)
and in m space,
Er(r=a,m) = 0
Eθ(r=a,m) = 0 . (7.3.5)
The entire Appendix D problem (at ω=0) can then be represented by this system of equations:
∇22DE(r,θ) = 0 div2D E(r,θ) = 0 Er(r=a,θ) = 0 Eθ(r=a,θ) = 0 (7.3.6)
which we restate in m space using ∂θ → jm,
∇22DE(r,m) = 0 div2D E(r,m) = 0 Er(r=a,m) = 0 Eθ(r=a,m) = 0 . (7.3.7)
As our first step in solving this system, we confiscate the equation set (D.1.20) setting β = 0 and k = 0 to
obtain these simplified results:
237
The Three Laplace Equations and the div E = 0 equation (in partial waves) (D.1.20)
[∇2E]z = 0 :
[r2∂r2 + r ∂r - m2 ] Ez(r,m) = 0 (D.1.15)
[∇2E]r = 0 :
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1) ] Er(r,m) - 2jm Eθ(r,m) = 0 (D.1.17)
[∇2E]θ = 0 :
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1)] Eθ(r,m) + 2jmEr(r,m) = 0 (D.1.18)
div E = 0 :
∂r [r Er(r,m)] + jmEθ(r,m) = 0 (D.1.19)
The Ez equation
Since Ez(r,m) = Ez(r,-m) according to the first equation in the box, we assume m ≥ 0 for simplicity.
Since the first equation is the radial equation of the 2D Laplace equation, we know the solutions are
Amrm+Bmr-m for m > 0, and C+Dlnr for m = 0. Since Ez is finite at r = 0, we reject lnr and r-m for m>0.
Thus, for m ≥ 0 one has Ez(r,m) = Azmrm where Azm are constants to be determined :
Ez(r,m) = Azm rm m>0

Ez(r,0) = Az0 . m=0 (7.3.8)
Maple is happy to verify the claimed general solutions:
238
The Er equation
For m = 0 this equation reads
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - 1] Er(r,0) = 0 .
This is the same as the Ez equation for m = 1, so Er(r,0) = Ar0 r.
For m > 0 we solve the div E = 0 equation to get jmEθ(r,m) = - ∂r [r Er(r,m)]. Just as in Appendix D, we
insert this into the Er equation to eliminate Eθ with this result
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1) ] Er(r,m) - 2jm Eθ(r,m) = 0
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1) ] Er(r,m) - 2{- ∂r [r Er(r,m)]} = 0
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1) ] Er(r,m) + 2{ [r∂r + 1] Er(r,m)} = 0
[r2∂r2 + 3r∂r - (m2-1) ] Er(r,m) = 0 .
Since this equation contains only m2, we know that Er(r,-m) = Er(r,m) so again assume m ≥ 0.
Maple gives the solution as
Since m > 0, we reject r-1-m and conclude that
Er(r,m) = Arm rm-1 m>0

Er(r,0) = Ar0 r m=0 . (7.3.9)
The Eθ equation
For m = 0 the equation reads,
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (1)] Eθ(r,0) = 0,
which is again the same as the Ez equation for m = 1 and so has solution Eθ(r,0) = Aθ0 r.
For m > 0 we use the divE = 0 equation to find that
239
jmEθ(r,m) = - ∂r [r Er(r,m)] = -∂r [ r Arm rm-1 ] = -Arm∂r[rm] = -Armm rm-1

or
jEθ(r,m) = -Arm rm-1 .
Thus
Eθ(r,m) = j Arm rm-1 m>0

Eθ(r,0) = Aθ0 r . m=0 (7.3.10)
Alternatively, we could write the Eθ equation as
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1)] Eθ(r,m) + 2jmEr(r,m) = 0

or
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1)] Eθ(r,m) + 2jm Ar rm-1 = 0 m>0
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (1) ] Eθ(r,0) = 0 . m=0
The m = 0 equation is as above. Maple then verifies that Eθ(r,m) = j Arm rm-1 satisfies the m>0 equation,
and we end up with the same results as above,

Eθ(r,0) = Aθ0 r m=0.
We now summarize our partial wave E field solutions at this point:
Ez(r,m) = Azmrm m>0

Ez(r,0) = Az0 m=0
Er(r,m) = Arm rm-1 m>0

Er(r,0) = Ar0 r m=0

Eθ(r,0) = Aθ0 r m=0. (7.3.11)
Finally we apply the two boundary conditions Er(r=a,m) = 0 and Eθ(r=a,m) = 0. They require that Arm =
0 for m>0, and that Ar0 = Aθ0 = 0 for m = 0, giving these final field results:
240
Ez(r,m) = Azmrm m>0

Ez(r,0) = Az0 m=0
Er(r,m) = 0 m≥0
Eθ(r,m) = 0 m≥0 . (7.3.12)
The current I must be the cross-section integral of Jz(r,0) = σ Ez(r,0) = σAz0 , so
I = σAz0 * πa2 => Az0 = I/(πa2σ) = I R . (7.3.13)
The fields are then,
Ez(r,m) = Azmrm m>0

Ez(r,0) = IR m=0
Er(r,m) = 0 m≥0
Eθ(r,m) = 0 m≥0 . (7.3.14)
We now arrive at an interesting fact: the vector Helmholtz equation (which became a vector Laplace
equation), the divE = 0 condition and the two boundary conditions are insufficient to determine the
coefficients Azm for m > 0. The system is underspecified! This situation did not arise in Appendix D as
presented for general ω.
To nail down these coefficients -- which of course are critical to our proof that Jz is uniform in this DC
problem -- we must call upon the Maxwell curl E equation (1.1.2) with ∂t → jω,
curl E = - jωB = 0 at ω = 0 . (7.3.15)
We write this as
r [ r-1∂θEz - ∂zEθ] + ^
curl E(r,θ,z) = ^ θ [∂zEr - ∂rEz] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rEθ) - r-1∂θEr ] (7.3.16)
or
r [ r-1jmEz+ jkEθ] + ^
curl E(r,m,z) = ^ θ [-jkEr - ∂rEz] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rEθ) - r-1jmEr ] . (7.3.17)
Setting k ≈ 0 as above this becomes
r [ r-1jmEz(r,m)] + ^
curl E(r,m,z) = ^ θ [- ∂rEz(r,m)] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rEθ(r,m)) - r-1jmEr(r,m) ] .
But from (7.3.14) only Ez is non-vanishing, so this simplifies to
r [ r-1jmEz(r,m)] + ^
curl E(r,m,z) = ^ θ [- ∂rEz(r,m)] (7.3.18)
so curl E = 0 requires
241
r-1jmEz(r,m) = 0
- ∂rEz(r,m) = 0 . (7.3.19)
We evaluate these first for m = 0,
0 = 0 Ez(r,0) condition met

∂rEz(r,0) = 0 condition met since Ez(r,0) = IR = constant . (7.3.20)
For m > 0 the conditions say that
r-1jm Azmrm = 0
∂r Azmrm = 0 or Azm m rm-1 = 0 . (7.3.21)
Both conditions are satisfied only if Azm = 0 for m > 0. We then arrive at a final field set:
Ez(r,m) = 0 m>0
Ez(r,0) = IR m=0
Er(r,m) = 0 m≥0
Eθ(r,m) = 0 m≥0 (7.3.22)
which then tells us that Jz = σEz is in fact uniform over the round wire cross section at DC.
7.4 Second Sign of Trouble: Infinite B fields as ω→0
Recall from (D.11.7) the E fields for small ω,
Ez(r,m) = (1/2) ηm B (ω/k) (r/a)m (m+1) (D.11.7) (7.4.1)

Er(r,m) = (j/4) ηm B (ωa) [(r/a)m+1 + (r/a)m-1]
Eθ(r,m) = (1/4) ηm B (ωa) [(r/a)m+1 - (r/a)m-1] m>0
Ez(r,0) = B (ω/k) B ≡ (ξd/εd) CV Rdc

Er(r,0) = (j/2) B (ωr)
Eθ(r,0) = 0 m=0 G≥0
Next, recall (D.4.7), which expresses the Maxwell equation B = (j/ω) curl E in cylindrical coordinates,
Br(r,m) = (j/ω) [curl E]r = (j/ω) [r-1jmEz + jkEθ]

Bθ(r,m) = (j/ω) [curl E]θ = (j/ω)[-jkEr - ∂rEz]
Bz(r,m) = (j/ω) [curl E]z = (j/ω) [r-1∂r(rEθ) - r-1jmEr] . (D.4.7)
These are duly entered into Maple :
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j jmEz
Before continuing, look at the first term above for Br which has the form ω r . If we install Ez from
(7.4.1), the (ω/k) factor in Ez results in a 1/k factor in Br. This is a preview of our upcoming problem.
Momentarily omitting the common factor ηm B, enter the E fields for m > 0 from (7.4.1) above,
Maple then computes the resulting B fields:
243
Using (r/a)m /r = (r/a)m (a/r)(1/a) = (r/a)m-1(1/a), the Maple results for m > 0 are,
Br = (1/4) (r/a)m-1 (1/ak)[ -2m(m+1) + k2(a2-r2)]

Bθ = (j/4) (r/a)m-1 (1/ak) [ -2m(m+1) + k2(r2+a2)]
Bz = (j/2) (r/a)m (m+1)
We repeat the effort for m = 0 :
to get
Thus, restoring the ηm B factor, for small ω the B fields inside the round wire are given by
B fields in round wire for small ω (7.4.2)
Bz(r,m) = (j/2) ηm B (r/a)m (m+1) m>0

Br(r,m) = (1/4) ηm B (r/a)m-1 (1/ak)[ -2m(m+1) + k2(a2-r2)]
Bθ(r,m) = (j/4) ηm B (r/a)m-1 (1/ak) [ -2m(m+1) + k2(r2+a2)]
Bz(r,0) = 0 m=0
Br(r,0) = 0
Bθ(r,0) = (j/2) B kr B ≡ (ξd/εd) CV Rdc G≥0
244
These same B fields can be obtained by taking the small-x limit of the full B fields shown in (D.9.39) and
making use of (D.11.6).
So far we have no infinite B problem. Recall that in Appendix D, the parameter k is an arbitrary complex
number. But in order to take the "small ω limit" as we did in Section D.11, we have to assume at least that
k is "small" for small ω, so that then β'2 = β2- k2 = -jωμσ - k2 will be small, allowing a power series
expansion for the various Bessel functions (recall x = β'r). So as long as k is some small number (in
magnitude), we know that the E and B fields given in (7.4.1) and (7.4.2) represent a solution to the
Helmholtz equation for E, the div E = 0 equation, all four Maxwell equations, and in fact also the
Helmholtz equation for B, though we did not demonstrate this fact. The fields also satisfy the two
boundary conditions (D.2.26) and (D.2.27). By assuming small ω and small k and hence small β', we were
able to replace the Bessel functions with their leading expansion terms resulting in the various simple
polynomial terms in (7.4.1) and (7.4.2).
The trouble now arises if we further assume that our small k value of the last paragraph is identified with
the ω→0 value of k = -j zy = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) . This is the k value for the wave proceeding down
the dielectric of the transmission line, based on the transmission line equations (4.12.17).
G = 0 Case
We first assume that G = 0 which in turn implies (ξd/εd) = 1 since σd = 0. According to (Q.4.9), and
assuming that k = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) , we see that as ω → 0,
k→ Rdc2C/2 ω (1-j) = Rdc2C ω e-jπ/4 as ω → 0 . (7.4.3)
We are now using Rdc as the resistance per length of our round wire conductor, while Rdc2 is the
resistance of both transmission line conductors per length. Note that k → 0 as ω . The above B fields
(7.4.2) then become
Bz(r,m) = (j/2) ηm CV Rdc (r/a)m (m+1) m>0 (7.4.4)

m-1 -jπ/4
Br(r,m) = (1/4) ηm CV Rdc (r/a) (1/a) [ -2m(m+1)] / [ Rdc2C ω e ]
m-1 -jπ/4
Bθ(r,m) = (j/4) ηm CV Rdc (r/a) (1/a) [ -2m(m+1)] / [ Rdc2C ω e ]
Bz(r,0) = 0 m=0
Br(r,0) = 0
Bθ(r,0) = (j/2) CV Rdc r [ Rdc2C ω e-jπ/4] G=0
As ω→0, the three m = 0 B fields go to zero. This is as expected since the current vanishes:
I = CV (ω/k) = CV ω / [ Rdc2C ω e-jπ/4] = CV ω / [ Rdc2C e-jπ/4] → 0 . (7.4.5)
However, as ω→0, the m > 0 B fields all diverge as 1/ ω !! In the DC limit, there will still be some
asymmetric n(θ) on the round wire surface just because this round wire is part of a long capacitor
connected to a battery of voltage V, so the ηm coefficients do not vanish for m > 0. Looking at (7.4.1) we
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see that as ω→0, all the E field components vanish in all partial waves m, as we would expect since the
transmission line impedance goes to ∞. It seems a bit unphysical for our round wire at DC to have no E
fields, no current, but some infinite internal B fields. One can show that curl B is finite in the ω→0 limit
(and div B = 0), but this is not much respite.
G > 0 Case
We start again with (7.4.2), but now
(ξd/εd) = 1 + (G/jωC) → (G/jωC) as ω → 0
B → (G/jωC) CV Rdc = (G/jω) V Rdc . (7.4.6)
Moreover, according to (Q.4.6), and assuming that k = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) , we see that
k→-j Rdc2G ≡ k1 as ω → 0 // a very small constant value (7.4.7)
Then (7.4.2) reads,
Bz(r,m) = (j/2) ηm (G/jω) V Rdc (r/a)m (m+1) m>0 (7.4.8)

Br(r,m) = (1/4) ηm (G/jω) V Rdc (r/a)m-1 (1/ak1) [ -2m(m+1) + k12(a2-r2)]
Bθ(r,m) = (j/4) ηm (G/jω) V Rdc (r/a)m-1 (1/ak1) [ -2m(m+1) + k12(r2+a2)]
Bz(r,0) = 0 m=0
Br(r,0) = 0
Bθ(r,0) = (j/2) (G/jωC) CV Rdc k1r G>0
We find that for G > 0, all the non-zero B field components diverge as 1/ω as ω→0 !! This is even worse
than that G = 0 case where divergence was 1/ ω .
This then is our second sign of trouble: B fields are going infinite as ω→ 0. It seems clear that the
physical B field of a transmission line operating at DC should be finite since there are no infinite currents
anywhere. Thus, the theory of Appendix D combined with the idea that k = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) is
invalid as ω→ 0.
7.5 What is the cause of the Trouble as ω→ 0 ?
There are likely several causes of "ω → 0 trouble", but here we discuss just one problem source.
In Appendix M it is argued that |At| < 10-4 |Az| from 0 to 500 GHz, where At = Ax^ x + Ay^y is the
transverse vector potential. This relative smallness of the transverse vector potential for a transmission
line does not seem to translate into the relative smallness of transverse derivatives of the potential at low
frequencies.
In Step 1 (3.7.5) it was shown indirectly that one can approximate div A as ∂zAz only when ω is
large. In other words, (∂xAx+∂yAy) cannot be neglected relative to ∂zAz when ω is small. Since we have
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never studied the small transverse potentials, it is not clear just how small ω has to be for this neglect to
be unjustified, but one might vaguely assume for a round conductor of radius a that a = δ = 2/(ωμσ)
might provide a ballpark value below which (∂xAx+∂yAy) should not be neglected. Certainly then in the
limit ω→ 0, one should not be neglecting (∂xAx+∂yAy) .
A more generic argument comparing (∂xAx+∂yAy) to (∂zAz) is this. If we were to assume that Az
behaves as e-jkz , we would then be comparing | ∂xAx+∂yAy | with | k Az |. In a scale sense, we might
expect the scale of these transverse derivatives to be such that ∂xAx ~ (1/Dx)Ax and ∂yAy ~ (1/Dy)Ay
where Dx and Dy are some ballpark transverse dimensions of the transmission line. Then our comparison
is between | (1/Dx)Ax+ (1/Dy)Ay | and | k Az|. In this same scale sense, we expect to have k ~ 1/λ where
λ is the wavelength of a wave going down the transmission line. The assumption made in neglecting the
transverse derivatives is then roughly this
| (1/Dx)Ax+ (1/Dy)Ay | << | (1/λ)Az | .
Even though we have |Ax, Ay| << |Az| from Appendix M, as ω becomes smaller, we expect λ to become
larger, so the right side of this inequality gets arbitrarily small as ω → 0 and λ → ∞, and at some value of
ω the neglect of the left side is no longer justified.
In Chapter 4 it was assumed that | ∂xAx+∂yAy | << | k Az|. This assumption, which we quietly justified
there based on |At| < 10-4 |Az|, was made in going from (4.12.2) to (4.12.3). We then ended up with the
second-order transmission line equations of (4.12.17),
d2V(z) d2i(z)
dz2 - zy V(z) = 0 dz2 - zy i(z) = 0 . (4.12.17)
The solutions to these equations indicate that V(z) and i(z) have e-jkz dependence on z, with k = -j zy .
This suggests at least indirectly that the E and B fields at the surface of and inside the conductors have
this same z dependence, which is the ansatz of (D.1.1) at the very start of Appendix D.
We see now that the above situation only applies if ω is not too small. If we maintain the transverse
derivatives (∂xAx+∂yAy) and carry through the analysis of Chapter 4, we arrive at these modified second-
order transmission line equations (see Appendix S, equation (S.29) ),
d2V(z) d2i(z)
dz2 - zy V(z) = (-z/Le)T(z) dz2 - zy i(z) = (1/Le) ∂zT(z) . (4.12.17) (S.29)
In Appendix S we implement an averaging procedure where V(z), T(z) and Le are certain double
averages over the perimeters of the two conductors, though the averaging can be ignored for widely
spaced conductors. The quantity T(z) is given by such a double average,
T(z) ≡ <T(x1,x2)>C1,C2 (S.19)
where
T(x1,x2) ≡ (∂xAx12(x1) - ∂xAx12(x2)) + (∂yAy12(x1) - ∂yAy12(x2)), // dim(T) = tesla (S.17)
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which involves those transverse vector potential derivatives evaluated at points on the boundaries. We
don't know how to compute the function T because we don't know the transverse potential functions, but
the argument above suggests that at low ω we cannot just set T(z) = 0 as was done in Chapter 4.
With T(z) ≠ 0, the two second order transmission line equations are inhomogeneous, meaning they have
±
driving terms on the right side. It is true that e jkz are still homogeneous "adder solutions" to the two
equations in (S.29), but each equation also has a "particular" solution that cannot be ignored. For
example, we might have
V(z) = Vparticular(z) + A e-ikz + B e+ikz
where A and B can be adjusted. Therefore, for small ω, we do not simply have e-jkz as the z dependence
of V(z), and we can deduce that this fact applies as well to the E and B fields in the dielectric and inside
the conductors. For example, V(z) is the line integral of E along a path in the z = constant plane between
the conductors (albeit averaged over the conductor boundaries). And i(z) will be related to the B field
inside the conductor as well as the E field.
Thus, at low ω, the e-jkz ansatz for Ei inside the round conductor of Appendix D is unjustified. This is
the main point. Since the ansatz of Appendix D is unjustified at low ω, it follows that the predictions of
Appendix D for small ω are simply not valid. It is in this manner that we "explain away" our two low-ω
anomalies: Jz being non-uniform inside the round conductor at ω = 0, and B fields being infinite.
We must then also give up our simple traveling wave behavior for small ω, as given in (D.1.1)
Once again, this led to all quantities in Appendix D having this same ej(ωt-kz) dependence on z, and
matching at the conductor boundary then required that fields in the dielectric have this same ej(ωt-kz)
form. This in turn resulted in the potential V(z) having this same e-jkz dependence. But we have just
argued above that for small ω, this z dependence of V(z) is unjustified since T(z) cannot be neglected.
There are various other hints of trouble at low ω floating around in Chapters 3 and 4, where we often had
to assume the strong or extreme skin effect limits, meaning large ω. A dramatic inconsistency at very low
ω was shown in Figure 3.6a which is a plot of magnetic fields lines at DC for two round wires. Since the
B fields are clearly not tangent to the conductor surfaces, we know that Az is not constant on the these
surfaces, yet that was assumed true, as shown for example in (5.3.11).
Another possible source of our low-ω anomalies goes way back to Chapter 1 where, in our derivation of
the King gauge potential wave equation (1.3.20) inside the conductors (like "region 2"), we dropped a
certain term based on σ2 being large in a conductor. Dropping this term is the same as assuming that the
operating frequency f is larger than the amount shown in (1.3.38), which for the Belden 8281 cable
requires that f be larger than 15KHz. Although this is a small frequency compared to the usual RF usage
range of such a cable, it is considerably larger than "DC". We had to drop this σ2 term in order to obtain
(1.3.20) which in the ω domain becomes (1.5.4) (∇2 + βd2)A = - ΣiμiJi where the sum is over currents in
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all conductors. This PDE then has King's Helmholtz integral solution (1.5.9) which forms the basis of the
W(z) portion of Chapter 4 starting in Section 4.7 which eventually led to the transmission line equations
(4.12.17). Thus, we really should be adding the condition (1.3.38) to our analysis if we wish to avoid still
more "correction terms" in the transmission line equations like the T(z) discussed above.
We reach the conclusion that the basic theory presented in Chapters 4 and 5 (and Appendix D for round
wires) is adequate at "high frequency" which means in the skin effect regime, though results might be
valid at significantly lower ω. On the other hand, the approximations of eddy current theory are valid at
"low frequency", as presented qualitatively in Appendix P. More analytic eddy current analyses do exist,
such as that of Rodrígues and Valli.
To find a complete analytic solution valid for all ω for the infinite transmission line one must face up to a
full-bore boundary value problem for the two (or more) conductors, where all the conductor interior
problems and the overall dielectric exterior problem are treated simultaneously with Maxwell's Equations,
with fulfillment of boundary conditions on all E and B field components on all conductor surfaces. We
have not attempted such a solution in this document. Since the vector potential is not constant on
conductor surfaces at all ω, it seems unlikely that the King potential approach of Chapter 4 would be
useful. Moreover, the simplification of being able to ignore the transverse vector potentials Ax and Ay
leading to only two working variables φ and Az is no longer viable at low ω.
We close with some comments on the network model of Appendix K which uses differentially small
lumped electronics components to model a transmission line. The model treats the conductors as if each
were an alternating series of inductances and resistances with no mention of what might actually be going
on inside the conductor volumes. If one is interested in what goes on inside, this model is lacking. On the
other hand, the conductance and capacitance aspects of the model seem very reasonable.
It is shown in Section k (c) that this network model implies the transmission line equations with no T(z)
term on the right side, see (K.6). Since these transmission line equations are invalid for small ω, as just
shown above, we must conclude that the entire network model itself is invalid at small ω. An implication
is that the values of k and Z0 for very small ω based on this model are not to be trusted. It does seem,
however, that the expression for Z0 is still reasonable even at small ω, and approaches the correct DC
limit. But the whole notion of k, including its small ω limits, is based on the traveling wave idea which
we have seen is invalid at small ω.
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Appendix A: Gauge Invariance
Here we show why it is that, in choosing potentials φ and A, one is allowed to set the divergence of the
vector potential A equal to an arbitrary function. This freedom of setting div A is associcated with "gauge
invariance" as explained below. Our step-by-step approach here is somewhat unconventional and brings
in the notion of a Green's function and the particular solution of the Poisson Equation. Some
extracurricular topics are brought up which may or may not interest the reader. Each section builds on the
previous section. Before getting launched, here is some terminology:
∇ 2φ = 0 The Laplace Equation ( ∇2 = The Laplacian, has a Laplace propagator)

∇ 2φ = f the inhomogeneous Laplace Equation = The Poisson Equation (Poisson's Equation)
(∇2+β2)φ = 0 The Helmholtz Equation ( ∇2+β2 = the Helmholtz operator, has a Helmholtz propagator)
(∇2+β2)φ = f the inhomogeneous Helmholtz Equation = has no special name
A.0 The Poisson Equation and its Solution
Fact 0: The Poisson Equation -∇2φ = ρ/ε0 with φ(∞) = 0 has a unique solution as stated below. (A.0.0)
For electrostatics in an isotropic medium equations (1.1.3) and (1.1.6) indicate that div E = ρ/ε while
(1.1.2) says that curl E = 0. Since curl grad f = 0 for any function f, if one lets E = - grad φ, then
curl E = -curl grad φ = 0
ρ/ε = div E = - div grad φ = -∇2φ => -∇2φ = ρ/ε ,
an equation known as the Poisson Equation. The problem of electrostatics ("potential theory") is then to
solve -∇2φ = ρ/ε for the potential φ, and then E = - grad φ produces the resulting electric field. For a static
physical situation (nothing varies with time t), the electrostatic potential φ matches the scalar potential φ
appearing in (1.3.1). Here ρ(x) refers to the electric charge density.
(a) Imagine some static charge distribution ρ(x) that is constrained to a localized region near the origin
within infinite space. The distribution ρ(x) includes all charges in this region. Here are some types of
charges which would be included in ρ(x):
• point charges which are "glued down" to certain points in space.

• linear continuous charge densities that are glued down along curved filaments in space or which are
stable on conducting filaments.
• surface charge densities that are either glued to certain surfaces, or which are stable because they lie
on the surfaces of pieces of conductor (like metal).
• 3D continuous charge densities that are glued down in 3D space so they cannot move, or which
manage to achieve a stable configuration as free charge (if that is possible!)
• surface polarization charge densities not already accounted for by the ε in -∇2φ = ρ/ε .
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By including all these types of charge in ρ, we are able to avoid the complicating issue of "boundary
surfaces" in our discussion below, and our only boundary of interest is The Great Sphere which is a
sphere of infinite radius surrounding our localized region of interest.
From Coulomb's Law (in SI units, and in an isotropic medium of dielectric constant ε) we know that the
electric potential φ of a point charge q located at point x' is φ(x) = q/[4πεR] where R = |x-x'| is the
distance between charge q at x' and an observation point x. Such a point charge is described by ρ(x) =
qδ(x-x'). The general equation which relates φ(x) to ρ(x) is the Poisson Equation,
-∇2φ(x) = ρ(x)/ε φ(∞) = 0 . (A.0.1)
By including the condition φ(∞) = 0, we are really describing a Poisson "boundary value problem". We
add φ(∞) = 0 because we are assuming that ρ(x) is localized as just noted.
Both the PDE and the boundary condition are linear. Letting φ = αφ1+ βφ2, and ρ = αρ1+ βρ2,
∇2φ = ∇2(αφ1+ βφ2) = α∇2φ1 + β∇2φ2 = α ρ1(x)/ε +β ρ2(x)/ε = [α ρ1(x) +β ρ2(x)]/ε = ρ/ε
φ(∞) = αφ1(∞) + βφ2(∞) = 0 + 0 = 0. // boundary condition is linear
Therefore, we may superpose the potentials of multiple charges to get the potential resulting from a
distribution of charges. Thus, we at once obtain this superposed version of Coulomb's Law,
φ(x) = 4πε ∫d3x'

1 ρ(x')
. (A.0.2)
|x-x'|
Here d3x' ρ(x') = dq(x') is a differential chunk of charge located at x' contained in tiny volume d3x'. Thus,
(A.0.2) must be a solution of (A.0.1). If we allow the observation point x to move right on top of some
point charge in the distribution ρ, we will get φ = ∞, so we generally avoid such observation points.
(b) We would like to explicitly show that (A.0.2) is a solution of (A.0.1) for a general distribution ρ. To
this end, we digress to consider the following equation and its solution,
1 1
-∇2g(x,x') = δ(x-x') with g(∞,x') = 0 => g(x,x') = 4π . (A.0.3)
|x-x'|
The equation on the left is Poisson's Equation where ρ consists of a positive point charge of q = ε units
sitting at position x'. Recall from above that ρ(x) = qδ(x-x') for a point charge. Coulomb's Law gives the
solution shown on the right. Therefore it must be true that
1 1 1
-∇2{4π } = δ(x-x') or -∇2{ } = 4π δ(x-x') . (A.0.4)
|x-x'| |x-x'|
This last equation is derived in Appendix H (see H.1.4), but we have already shown it is true, given
Coulomb's Law. We can now show that (A.0.2) is a solution of (A.0.1) for an arbitrary distribution ρ as
follows:
1
-∇2φ(x) = 4πε ∫d3x' ρ(x') {-∇2 |x-x'|
1 1
} = 4πε ∫d3x' ρ(x') 4π δ(x-x') = ρ(x)/ε . QED.
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The assisting function g(x,x') has various names with respect to (A.0.3): the Green's Function or Green
function, the fundamental solution, the free-space propagator, or the kernel. It is nothing more than the
potential created by a point charge of ε units located at x' and viewed from x. Some authors put a 4π in
front of the δ in the left equation of (A.0.3) which causes the 1/(4π) to be absent in the right equation of
(A.0.3).
(c) We have found the particular solution of (A.0.1) given by (A.0.2). There are many other PDE
solutions which can be obtained by adding to the solution (A.0.2) a solution of -∇2u = 0. This last
equation, usually written ∇2u = 0, is called the Laplace Equation, and it is the "homogeneous" form of the
Poisson Equation, that is, the right side of the Poisson Equation is set to 0. Solutions u are called
homogeneous solutions. One obvious solution is u = 2, so we could then add 2 to (A.0.2) and get a new
solution to (A.0.1). Since we have specified that our charge distribution ρ(x) is localized to some region
of space, we expect that as x→ ∞, we must have φ → 0, as (A.0.1) states. The solution (A.0.2) meets this
requirement, but if we add 2, then our boundary condition φ(∞)= 0 is not met, so we must rule out adding
a 2. We would also rule out 2x + 3, for example, or 7xy. Recall that ∇2 = ∂x2+ ∂y2+ ∂z2.
It turns out that the only solution of ∇2u = 0 which meets the requirement u→0 as x→∞ in all
directions is the trivial function u(x) = 0. In 2D one intuitively sees this because a massless taut thin
rubber sheet (drum head) tied down to height u = 0 around a circular perimeter is going to be a flat rubber
sheet with u = 0 everywhere. The solutions to the 3D equation ∇2u = 0 are called harmonic functions, and
it is not hard to show that any harmonic function must take both is max and min values on the boundary,
which here is a 3D great sphere. Thus umax = 0 and umin = 0, so the only possibility is that u(x) ≡ 0
everywhere.
The implication of the previous paragraph is that (A.0.2) is the only possible solution of (A.0.1)
because the only homogeneous solution one is allowed to add to (A.0.2) is u = 0. One can suppose there
are two different solutions of -∇2φ = ρ/ε called φ and φ' both of which go to 0 on the great sphere. Then
-∇2(φ-φ') = 0 with (φ-φ') → 0 on the great sphere. But then (φ-φ') = 0 so φ' = φ and there cannot then
exist two different physical solutions of (A.0.1).
(d) In the following discussions, we shall be less explicit about boundary conditions like φ(∞) = 0, but
they are always implied because we shall always be considering only a local distribution of sources. One
convenient implication of such boundary conditions is that the "parts" of parts integrations often vanish,
since they involve functions evaluated on the Great Sphere (or Great Circle in 2D). To clarify this perhaps
obscure comment, here is a statement of two integral theorems where V is an n dimensional volume and S
is an n-1 dimensional surface enclosing that volume:
∫V dV ∇φ = ∫S dS φ // "integral of a gradient theorem" (A.0.5)
∫V dV ψ(∇φ) = – ∫V dV (∇ψ)φ + ∫S dS (ψφ) // "parts integration" (A.0.6)

"the minus sign" "the parts"
The first theorem is just the divergence theorem (1.1.30) applied to F(x) = φ(x) a where a is a constant
vector. It happens that ∇•F = ∂iFi = ∂i[φ ai] = (∂iφ) ai = ∇φ • a , so
252
∫V dV ∇•F = ∫S dS•F => (∫V dV ∇φ) • a = ∫S dS•[ φa] = (∫S dS φ) • a
By setting a = ^
x, ^ z one concludes that ∫V dV ∇φ = ∫S dS φ.
y and ^
The second theorem is the first applied to the function φ→ψφ and is the generalization of 1D parts
integration to n dimensional space. The "parts" is ∫S dS (ψφ) and if S is the Great Sphere, then this
integral involves ψ and φ evaluated on the Great Sphere, and usually one of these functions is 0 there. In
what follows, we shall often be swinging a derivative from one function to the other inside an integral,
and we ignore the parts for the reason just stated.
A.1 Existence of A such that B = curl A and div A = 0
Fact 1: If div B = 0, there exists an A such that B = curl A and div A = 0. (A.1.0)
The "gauge choice" div A = 0 is known as the Coulomb or Transverse Gauge. More on gauges later.
Proof: There are several parts to the proof:
(a) If A exists such that B = curl A, then it will certainly be true that div B = 0, since div curl A = 0 for
any vector field A. The problem is showing that A exists, and moreover, that an A exists with div A = 0.
(b) Consider the following differential equation (at this point A is some undefined vector field):
-∇2A = curl B (A.1.1a)
or, in Cartesian coordinates,
-∇2(Ai) = [curl B]i . (A.1.1b)
We may regard this as the Poisson equation (A.0.1) where φ → Ai and ρ → ε [curl B]i . We know that a
Poisson equation of the form (A.0.1) has a unique physical solution of the form (A.0.2), so the solution of
(A.1.1) is given by
1 curl' B(x')
A(x) = 4π ⌠d3x' . (A.1.2)
⌡ |x - x'|
As with ρ in the previous section, we think of curl B as being localized in some region near the origin and
dropping off at large distances. Perhaps B is generated by some currents in this localized region.
We take (A.1.2) to be a candidate expression for the vector field A. If we can show that div A = 0 and
that B = curl A, then (A.1.2) is a viable expression for A ( "proof by construction").
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(c) Take the divergence of both sides of (A.1.2) [ implied sum on i ]
1 1
div A(x) = ∂iAi(x) = 4π ⌠d3x' [curl' B(x')]i ∂i . (A.1.3)
⌡ |x - x'|
We can replace ∂i by - ∂'i acting on 1/|x - x'| . Then we can do parts integration and move ∂'i onto [curl'
B(x')]i with a parts sign change. In doing so, we assume that at infinity we pick up no "parts" since curl B
is assumed to drop off sufficiently fast. We end up then with:
1 div' curl' B(x')

div A(x) = 4π ⌠d3x' . (A.1.4)
⌡ |x - x'|
But div curl F = 0 for any vector field F , so the integrand and integral vanish. Thus, we conclude that
div A = 0 . (A.1.5)
(d) Next, take the curl of both sides of (A.1.2). Here is the ith component [ implied sums on j and k, and
εijk is the totally antisymmetric permutation tensor used to express curl components ]
1 1
[curl A(x)]i = εijk∂jAk(x) = + εijk 4π ⌠d3x'[curl' B(x')]k ∂j . (A.1.6)
⌡ |x - x'|
As before, replace ∂j by -∂'j acting on (1/|x - x'|). Then do parts to move ∂'j onto [curl' B(x')]k. As
before, there is no "parts contribution". The result can then be put back into full vector notation to give:
1 curl' curl' B(x')

curl A(x) = + 4π ⌠d3x' . (A.1.7)
⌡ |x - x'|
Now use the vector identity curl curl B = grad div B - ∇2 B = - ∇2 B , since div B = 0. This gives
2
3 ∇' B(x')
curl A(x) = - 4π ⌠
1
⎮d x' . (A.1.8)
⌡ |x - x'|
The next step is to move the operator ∇'2 onto the other integrand factor 1/|x - x'| by doing a double parts,
and again for each parts operation there is no parts contribution from the Great Sphere at infinity. We then
use the fact (A.0.4) that ∇2(1/|x - x'|) = - 4π δ(x-x') to get
1
curl A(x) = - 4π [ -4π Β(x) ] = Β(x) . (A.1.9)
Thus, assuming div B = 0, we have formally constructed in (A.1.2) a vector field A such that B = curl A
and div A = 0, and this was the claim of Fact 1 stated above.
254
A.2 Existence of A' such that B = curl A' and div A' = f .
Fact 2: If div B = 0, there exists A' such that B = curl A' and div A' = f(x), where f(x) is an arbitrary
scalar field which "drops off" in some reasonable (sufficient) manner as |x| → ∞. (A.2.0)
Proof: From Fact 1, we first find A such that B = curl A and div A = 0. We then define
A' ≡ A + grad Λ dim(Λ) = volt-sec (A.2.1)
where Λ is some so-far arbitrary function (scalar field). As shown below (1.3.1), dim(A) = volt-sec/m,
and therefore dim(Λ) = volt-sec. It follows from (A.2.1) that
div A' = div A + ∇2 Λ = ∇2Λ . (A.2.2)
We would like to have div A' = f, so we must find Λ such that
∇ 2Λ = f . dim(f) = volt-sec/m2 (A.2.3)
But this is once again Poisson's Equation (A.0.1) with φ → Λ and ρ → -εf. Translating (A.0.2) we then
find that
1 f(x')
Λ(x) = – 4π ⌠d3x' . (A.2.4)
⌡ |x - x'|
Meanwhile, from (A.2.1) we also conclude that, since curl grad g = 0 for any function g,
curl A' = curl A + curl grad Λ = curl A = B . (A.2.5)
Thus, assuming div B = 0, we have formally constructed a vector field A' such that B = curl A' and
div A' = f(x) where f(x) is any function we like that drops off sufficiently fast as |x|→ ∞, and this is the
claim of Fact 2. If f(x) drops off away from the origin, this is like the ρ(x) of Fact 0, and we find that Λ →
0 as x → ∞ in any direction. Then since Λ = 0 on the Great Sphere, we know that there are no
homogenous solutions to ∇2Λ = 0 which could be added to (A.2.4) and so Λ(x) is uniquely determined by
our selected function f(x). The function Λ(x) is called a gauge function for reasons given below.
A.3 Existence of φ such that E = -grad φ
Fact 3: If curl E = 0, then there exists a φ such that E = - grad φ . (A.3.0)
Proof: This proof is almost identical to that of Fact 1, but a little simpler.
(a) If φ exists such that E = - grad φ, then it will certainly be true that curl E = 0, since curl grad φ = 0 for
any function φ. The problem is showing that φ exists.
(b) Consider the following differential equation (at this point φ is some undefined scalar field):
255
∇2φ = - div E . (A.3.1)
This is yet again Poisson's equation (A.0.1) for φ, this time with ρ→ ε div E, we solve it as in (A.0.2) to
get,
1 div' E(x')
φ(x) = 4π ⌠d3x' . (A.3.2)
⌡ |x - x'|
As usual, we assume that div E drops off in some sufficient manner away from the origin going to
infinity. Perhaps E is generated by a charge distribution in some region near the origin.
(c) Next, take the grad of both sides of (A.3.2). Here is the ith component:
1 1
∂iφ(x) = 4π ⌠d3x' div' E (x') ∂j . (A.3.3)
⌡ |x - x'|
As usual, replace ∂j by -∂'j acting on (1/|x - x'|). Then do parts to move ∂'j onto div' E(x') with a second
sign change, and also as usual there is no "parts contribution" from the Great Sphere. The result can then
be put back into full vector notation to give:
1 grad' div' E(x')

grad φ(x) = + 4π ⌠d3x' . (A.3.4)
⌡ |x - x'|
Now use the vector identity grad div E = curl curl E + ∇2 E = ∇2 E , since curl E= 0. This gives
2
3 ∇' E(x')
grad φ(x) = 4π ⌠
1
⎮d x' . (A.3.5)
⌡ |x - x'|
As before, move the operator ∇'2 onto the other term 1/|x - x'| by doing a double parts. We then use the
fact (A.0.4) that ∇2(1/|x - x'|) = - 4π δ(x-x') to get
1
grad φ(x) = 4π [ - 4π Ε(x) ] = −Ε(x) (A.3.6)
Thus, assuming curl E = 0, we have constructed a function φ in (A.3.2) such that E = - grad φ, so φ must
exist, and this is the claim of Fact 3.
A.4 Existence of A' and φ' such that B = curl A', E = - grad φ' - ∂tA', and div A' = f.
Fact 4: If div B = 0 and curl E = - ∂B/∂t , then there exist both A' and φ' such that B = curl A' and
E = - grad φ' - ∂A'/∂t , and the quantity div A' may be set to any function f. (A.4.0)
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Proof: We know from Fact 2 that A' exists such that B = curl A' and such that div A' equals any arbitrary
function f. If we start with some arbitrary A and φ, the successful A' from (A.2.1) is A' = A + grad Λ
where Λ is given by (A.2.4) as an integral over f. What is the corresponding φ' ? Since the E field
corresponding to (A,φ) and (A',φ') must be the same, we must have -E = -E' or
grad φ + ∂tA = grad φ' + ∂tA' .
Since A' = A + grad Λ, then ∂tA' = ∂tA + grad ∂t Λ, so the above reads
grad φ = grad φ' + grad ∂t Λ
which is satisfied by φ' = φ - ∂tΛ. Thus, the successful potential pair giving div A' = f is this:
A' = A + grad Λ
φ' = φ - ∂tΛ // dim(Λ) = volt-sec (A.4.1)
where from (A.2.4),
1 f(x')
Λ(x) = – 4π ⌠d3x' (A.2.3)
⌡ |x - x'|
The pair of equations (A.4.1) is called a gauge transformation and we have just seen in Facts 2 and 4
that a gauge transformation preserves both E and B. That E' = E was built into (A.4.1), and B' = B since
B' = curl A' = curl A + curl grad Λ = B + 0 = B. Each possible choice for f implies a gauge function Λ
from (A.2.3) which then creates the gauge transformation (A.4.1). There are an infinite set of f and
corresponding Λ functions, so there are an infinite number of gauge transformations which leave the E
and B fields invariant. We are free to choose a gauge such that div A' = f for any f we like.
A.5 Gauge Invariance
In electromagnetism, the situation of Fact 4 arises for
B = magnetic field
A = vector potential
E = electric field
φ = scalar potential
Using the gauge transformation (A.4.1), one transforms from A,φ to A',φ' without altering the physical
electromagnetic fields E and B. The electromagnetic fields are thus invariant under such a gauge
transformation, and one says that the classical theory of electromagnetism is gauge invariant.
The word "gauge" was first used by Hermann Weyl in the context of general relativity. Gauge invariant
there means that a certain "covariant derivative" transforms as a proper tensor object so that things have
the same form in different coordinate systems used to measure things. These different coordinate systems
were referred to as different "gauges" in the sense that a gauge is a marked-off measuring instrument used
257
to measure something (like the marked-off x-axis of a coordinate system). In general relativity the metric
tensor gμν, which defines the meaning of distance in the 4 dimensions of spacetime, is a function gμν(x)
of the local location in spacetime x. Weyl considered the effect of rescaling the metric tensor according to
gμν(x) → λ(x)gμν(x) where λ(x) was an arbitrary "gauge function" ( like our Λ(x) ). Nowadays, gauge
invariance is associated with any continuous degree(s) of freedom of a theory which don't affect physical
measurements derived from the theory, such as our gauge transformation (A.4.1). See Quigley.
A.6 The Lorenz Gauge and QED
This section is certainly off the transmission-lines beaten path, but the author thought the reader might
find it interesting. It is true that the nature of a transmission line results from photons "jumping back and
forth" between the conductors. Unlike elsewhere in this document, everything is not fully explained in the
following quick outline. A more detailed description of the tensor notation used below may be found in
the author's Tensor Analysis document and elsewhere.
In relativistic notation one uses 4-vectors which have one time component and three spatial
components such as xμ = (ct,x,y,z) which denotes a point in "spacetime". The time component t is
multiplied by the speed of light c so that all four components have the same units -- distance L. Often
people measure distance in light-seconds instead of meters so in such units c = 1, but we shall display the
c to keep track of units. This xμ is a "contravariant" (index up) 4-vector and the corresponding "covariant"
(index down) 4-vector is xμ = (ct,-x,-y,-z). Thus, one has x0 = x0 (= ct) but xi = -xi. We are assuming
here the "Bjorken-Drell metric" gμν = diag(1,-1,-1,-1). The gradient operator ∂i "transforms as" the
spatial part of the covariant 4-vector ∂μ, and one can write ∂i = -∂i just as xi = -xi for i = 1,2,3. This
four-vector gradient operator can be written ∂μ = (∂0, ∂i) and ∂μ = (∂0, ∂i) = (∂0, -∂i) where ∂0 = ∂0 =
1 1∂ μ -1 2 ∂ ∂
c ∂t = c ∂t . The four components of ∂ all have dimension L . The Laplacian is ∇ = ∂i ∂i = ∂xi ∂xi
1
(implied sum on i) while the corresponding object ≡ ∂μ∂μ = c2 ∂t2 - ∇2 is the D'Alembertian which
appears in wave equations.
Consider then the gauge transformation (A.4.1) which in relativistic tensor notation is
A'i = Ai + ∂iΛ = Ai - ∂iΛ i = 1,2,3

φ' = φ - ∂tΛ = φ - c ∂0Λ . (A.6.1)
The components of a classical vector like A, normally written as Ai, are in fact the contravariant
1
components Ai in tensor notation. If we now define A0 ≡ c φ we can combine the two gauge
transformation equations into a single equation involving three 4-vectors (one of which is ∂μΛ),
A'μ = Aμ - ∂μΛ μ = 0,1,2,3 . (A.6.2)
Suppose we want ∂μA'μ = 0 (implicit sum on μ = 0,1,2,3). This would be a relativistic version of the
Coulomb gauge choice that ∂iAi = div A = 0. If we could find a potential A'μ with this property, that
would be very convenient for the following reason: In general aμbμ (= aμbμ = a • b) is the same in all
258
frames of reference related by Lorentz Transformations. If ∂μA'μ = 0 in one frame, it is 0 in all frames,
and that makes computational life simple. For example, let S and S" be two frames of reference related by
a Lorentz transformation. Then the implication is that
∂μA'μ(xν) = 0 ⇒ ∂"μA'μ(x"ν) = 0 where ∂μ ≡ ∂/∂xμ and ∂"μ ≡ ∂/∂x"μ

frame S observer frame S" observer
So, is it possible to have ∂μA'μ = 0 ? Writing this out we get
1 1 1
∂0A'0 + ∂iA'i = 0 => c ∂t [c φ'] + div A' = 0 => c2 ∂tφ' + div A' = 0
so
1
div A' = - c2 ∂tφ'. (A.6.3)
But we showed in Fact 2 that given any A, we can find an E-B-fields-equivalent A' which has div A' =
any f(x) we want, so we just select f(x) = -(1/c2) ∂φ'/∂t. By selecting this f(x), we are selecting the
Lorenz Gauge. In this gauge (now dropping the prime on A), one has ∂μAμ = 0. Thus, the condition
defining the Lorenz Gauge is Lorentz covariant under all Lorentz transformations. The reason is that both
sides of ∂μAμ = 0 "transform" as the same kind of tensor object, in this case a scalar object. One can
interpret ∂μAμ = 0 as ∂•A = 0 where ∂ is a 4-divergence operator. Thus, in the Lorenz gauge, the 4-
divergence of Aμ is always exactly 0 at every point in spacetime. [ Lorenz and Lorentz are two different
people, see the Comment below equation (1.3.6).]
In 3D if we said that div F = ∂iFi = 0 defined something called a gauge condition, it would be clear
that F was not uniquely determined by that condition since many vector fields have zero divergence. Just
so, the Lorenz gauge condition ∂μAμ = 0 does not uniquely determine Aμ , it is just a condition on Aμ. So
in fact there are many pairs (A,φ) which satisfy the Lorenz gauge condition, so the term "the Lorenz
gauge" is a little misleading, though we shall use it anyway. It is a class of gauges.
In relativistic quantum field theory (aka quantum electrodynamics, or QED), the potential Aμ is
interpreted as the quantum field of a massless vector particle called the photon. The potentials φ and A are
thus promoted from being mere "helper functions" to having their own particle interpretation. In the
Lagrangian density for the photon-electron system an interaction term - JμAμ appears,
L = ... - JμAμ Jμ = e0 ψ̄ γμ ψ (A.6.4)
where Jμ is the electric current, an operator built from the quantum field ψ of the electron. The number e0
is the so-called bare (unrenormalized) charge of the electron. According to (A.6.2), a gauge
transformation on Aμ creates a new term - Jμ ∂μΛ in the Lagrangian density. In Lagrangian dynamics, the
physics of QED is determined by S = ∫d4x L = ∫d3x ∫ dt L which is called the action. If we insert the
gauge term -Jμ∂μΛ into the action and do parts integration to move ∂μ from Λ to Jμ, we end up with an
action change ΔS = ∫d4x (∂μJμ)Λ. But at every point in spacetime, we know that ∂μJμ = 0 (shown in a
259
moment) so we find that ΔS = 0 which means the action S is invariant under any gauge transformation.
The reason ∂μJμ = ∂μJμ = 0 is because Jμ = (cρ, Ji) where ρ is charge density and Ji is electric current, and
1
then the statement ∂μJμ = 0 says that c ∂t(cρ) + ∂iJi = 0 or div J = -∂ρ/dt. This is the equation of
continuity (1.1.8) which says that if there is a current flowing out of a tiny volume of space, the charge
density in that volume must be correspondingly decreasing. In other words, charge is "conserved". We
can reverse our logic to conclude that the reason electric charge is conserved and cannot "leak away into
the vacuum" is due to the invariance of the QED action under gauge transformations (A.6.2). More
generally, symmetries (invariances) of the action always result in conserved quantities. Since 1949,
unusual names have been given to similar conversed quantities: isospin, strangeness, color, charm, etc.
The association of a conserved quantity with a differential symmetry of the action is known as Noether's
Theorem, in honor of Ms. Emmy Noether who first showed this connection in 1915.
A.7 Finding the gauge function Λ for the Lorentz Gauge: time-domain propagators
In Fact 4 (A.4.0) it was noted that if one already has a potential set (A,φ), it is possible to find a new
potential set (A',φ') such that div A' = f for any reasonable f. The method of finding the new set (A',φ')
was to find the function Λ from f as shown in (A.2.4) and then use the gauge transformation implied by Λ
as shown in (A.4.1) to find the new potentials (A',φ').
In the discussion of the Lorenz Gauge, we thus imagine we have some (A,φ) and we want then to find
1
a potential set (A',φ') such that div A' = - c2 ∂tφ', which is the Lorenz Gauge (A.6.3). We are thus using f
1
= - c2 ∂tφ' where φ' is the partner to A'. One might fairly inquire what this function f actually is in terms
of the starting potentials (A,φ), since one does not a priori know what φ' is. In other words, since we don't
a priori know what f(x) is, we cannot use (A.2.3) to find the right gauge function Λ to give the right new
potentials (A',φ'), so we seem to be in a circular conundrum when we try to fit this Lorentz gauge
situation into the framework of our accumulated Facts above.
Here is one way to find the right function Λ in terms of (A,φ). We know from (A.2.3) and (A.4.1) that
1 1
∇2Λ = f = - c2 ∂tφ' = - c2 ∂t [φ - ∂tΛ ] .
This can be written as follows, where the left side is the 3D wave equation operator acting on Λ,
(∂t2 - c2∇2)Λ = ∂tφ . (A.7.1)
Since we know φ from (A,φ), we can obtain Λ by solving this differential equation. The equation is
similar to the Poisson equation (A.0.1) when written this way in terms of the symbol introduced above,
c2 Λ = ∂tφ . // Stakgold (5.141) with u→ Λ and q→ ∂tφ (A.7.2)
Here and below we include some supporting equation numbers from Stakgold Vol II. The formal solution
of (A.7.2) can be found by first defining a Green's Function as we did above in (A.0.3),
260
c2 g(x,t; x',t') = δ(x-x')δ(t-t') // Stakgold (5.142) (A.7.3)
The solution Green's function (propagator) is given by

←
2
c g(x,t; x',t') = (1/4πR)δ(t-t'-R/c) with R = |x-x'| // Stakgold (5.155) n=3 (A.7.4)
We have added an arrow that shows the direction of the propagator: it runs from time t' in the past to time
t in the future, in which case t > t'. The propagator vanishes for all t < t' since in that case t-t'-R/c < 0 and
the δ function can never get a hit. This g is an example of a "causal" Green's function and it describes an
expanding spherical wavefront seen at observation point x at time t propagating at velocity c from a point
source at location x' and time t' in the past. Formally one can then express a solution to (A.7.2) in a form
similar to (A.0.2),
Λ(x,t) = ∫d3x' ∫dt' g(x,t; x',t') ∂t'φ(x',t') . (A.7.5)
Application of c2 to both sides of (A.7.5) with use of (A.7.3) reproduces (A.7.2) showing that (A.7.5) is
indeed the particular solution of (A.7.2). Inserting the propagator (A.7.4) we find that
∂tφ(x', t-R/c)
1
Λ(x,t) = 4πc2 ∫d3x' R R = |x - x'| . (A.7.6)
Thus we have solved our conundrum in that we have Λ expressed in terms of φ from the set (A,φ). The
solution (A.7.6) has the same form as the retarded solutions of Section 1.4. Once we have this Λ, we may
use (A.4.1) to find the set (A',φ') given the set (A,φ).
Comments:
1. Whereas the Laplace equation with ∇2 is "elliptic" in nature, the wave equation is "hyperbolic" since
the various second derivatives in don't all have the same sign, resulting in a change in the nature of the
Green's function solution, the principle fact being that it is a causal function in terms of the time
coordinates. For details on the above discussion, see Stakgold Vol II p 61-63 (fundamental solutions) and
p 246-256 (Green's functions for the wave equation). Stakgold treats this subject with an arbitrary number
of spatial dimensions n. One finds, for example, that for n = 3 the propagator (A.7.4) is an expanding
infinitely thin spherical shell with no wake, whereas for n = 2 there is a wake behind the front as in his
(5.151) which says
g(r,t) = θ(t-r/v) 1/ (vt)2- r2 (A.7.7)
where v is wave velocity. It is difficult to create a clean unit impulse in water, but here is the rough idea:
261
http://physicsilluminati.blogspot.com/2012/10/wave-optics.html
2. The time-domain Green's functions quoted in (A.7.4) for n = 3 and (A.7.7) for n = 2 are propagators for
the wave equation (A.7.3) in 3D and 2D. When these Green's functions are Fourier transformed to the
frequency ω domain, they become the 3D and 2D Helmholtz propagators discussed in Appendix H and I,
namely
gF(r,r'; ω) = e-jkR/4πR = the Helmholtz 3D free-space propagator R = | r - r'| (H.1.7)
gF(r,r'; ω) = (j/4) H0(1)(kR) = the Helmholtz 2D free-space propagator k2 = ω2με (I.1.7)
262
Appendix B: Magnetization Surface Currents on a Conductor
Overview
When a conductor of magnetic permeability μ2 is embedded in a medium of μ1 with μ1 ≠ μ2, a "bound

current" (magnetization current) appears on the conductor surface.
Section B.1 shows how this surface current K is related to the H field at the surface.
Section B.2 shows how to compute H from the volume conduction current density J.
Section B.3 then outlines a general plan for computing surface current K for an arbitrary conductor.
Section B.4 computes H and the surface current for a round wire using symmetry.
Section B.5 repeats the calculation using the general method outlined in Section B.3.
Section B.6 presents what we call "the Jm Theorem" which shows that adding the magnetization
surface current of Section B.3 to the conduction current of a transmission line conductor adjusts the
Helmholtz integral for Az so it gives the correct Az when the conductor and dielectric have different
permeabilities, μ1 ≠ μ2.
Section B.7 shows how this "Jm Theorem" works for a round conductor. Plots are displayed for the
three quantities Az, Bθ and Hθ.
The conductors considered here are those of a transmission line in the "transmission line limit" in which it
is assumed that the wavelength along the line is much longer than the transverse dimensions of the line. In
this case, it is reasonable to use 2D wave equations whose solutions then involve use of the 2D Laplace
free-space propagator ln(R/2π) as discussed in Appendix I.
B.1 Relationship between surface current K and the field H at a conductor boundary
First, consider this blowup of a piece of the boundary between a conductor (medium 2) and a dielectric
(medium 1). Both media extend uniformly in the z direction, so we are looking at a piece of the cross
section of a transmission line at a particular point on the surface of one of the conductors.
Fig B.1
263
We shall assume that the conduction current is positive in the z direction, so J = Jz^ z with Jz > 0. Since
the lower medium is the conductor in the drawing, the B and H field at the boundary are in the -x ^
direction, that is to say, they point to the left due to the right hand rule relating J and B or H .
According to (1.1.44), the tangential component of the H field is continuous at a boundary provided
the boundary does not carry a free surface current, which is our situation here ( we ignore any Debye
surface currents, see text above (4.7.9) ). Therefore,
Hx2 = Hx1 (1/μ1)Bx1 = (1/μ2)Bx2 . (B.1.1)
Assuming μ2 ≥ μ1 (which would be the case if μ1 = μ0), the right equation implies |Bx2| ≥ |Bx1| so the B
field is larger inside the conductor. But in our picture, both Bx2 and Bx1 are negative, so -Bx2 ≥ - Bx1
which then says Bx2 ≤ Bx1 and finally (Bx2 - Bx1) ≤ 0. Also, Hx2 = Hx1 ≤ 0. For the red loop shown in
the figure one then has, as s→ 0,
∫
{ B • ds = Bx2L - Bx1L = (Bx2 - Bx1)L ≤ 0 . (B.1.2)
Now consider Stokes's theorem (1.1.31) and (1.1.24) which say ( in the ω domain),
∫
{ B • ds = ∫S curl B • dS = μ0 ∫S [ jωεE + Jc + Jm] • dS (B.1.3)
where dS = dS ^ z . Since E • dS involves only Ez (parallel to surface), and since by (1.1.41) such Ez is
continuous at the boundary, and since Ez ≈ 0 inside the conductor, the εjωE term makes no contribution,
giving then
∫
{ B • ds = μ0 ∫S [Jc + Jm] • dS . (B.1.4)
As the distance s is taken to 0 in the red math loop above, ∫S Jc • dS → 0 because the conduction
current is non-singular at the boundary. That is to say, ∫S Jc • dS → Jc • ∫S dS → 0. Since we shall

take this limit in the end, we can then ignore the Jc term in (B.1.4) and write
∫
{ B • ds = μ0 ∫S Jm • dS. intending to take s→ 0 . (B.1.5)
^ direction, the surface current Jm flows in the -z

Since Jc flows in the +z ^ direction (as shown below), so
write
Jm = Kz δ(y) ^
z (B.1.6)
where Kz ≤ 0 is the magnitude of the magnetization surface current. Then
264
∫S ∫0 ∫-s dy δ(y) ^z ∫0
L s L
Jm • dS = Kz dx • ^
z = Kz dx = KzL . (B.1.7)
Thus from (B.1.2), (B.1.5) and (B.1.7) we find that
μ0 Kz = Bx2 - Bx1 . (B.1.8)
Compare this with (1.1.44) which says (as noted earlier, Kzfree = 0 on the boundary)
0 = Hx2 - Hx1 . (1.1.44)
The H field does not "see" the magnetization surface current Kz, but the B field does see it.
The signs are consistent with Kz ≤ 0 and (Bx2 - Bx1) ≤ 0 as noted above. Then from (B.1.1) we find
μ0Kz = Bx2 - Bx1 = (μ2Hx2 - μ1Hx1) = (μ2-μ1) Hx2
and finally
μ2 μ1
Kz = ( μ - μ ) Hx2 . (B.1.9)
0 0
As noted earlier, Hx2 < 0 so Kz ≤ 0 is consistent with μ2 ≥ μ1.
We now rewrite this result in terms of a different picture: ^

z
Fig B.2
This shows the cross section of the entire conductor in gray, and Jc is still directed toward the viewer. In
this picture a point on the surface is associated with a local coordinate system for which ^
r = ^ y is normal
265
to the surface and ^ ^ is tangent to the surface (so Hθ = -Hx). We are thinking of (r,θ,z) as local
θ = -x
cylindrical coordinates at the point shown on the conductor surface, where ^ r x ^
θ = ^z , and the x,y,z
^ ^ ^
directions of the figure match those of the previous figure where as usual x x y = z . Then (B.1.9) says
μ2 μ1
Kz = - ( μ - μ ) Hθ amps/m (B.1.10)
0 0
where Hθ > 0 and Kz ≤ 0.

In general, Kz is a function of position on the perimeter of the conductor cross section.
We can compute the total magnetization current Im (amps) by integrating Kz around the perimeter of
the conductor:
μ2 μ1 μ2 μ1
∫C Kz ds = - ( μ - μ ) ∫C Hθ ds = - ( μ - μ ) ∫
0 0 0 0
{ C H • ds
But by (1.1.37),
∫
{ C H • ds = ∫S [jωεE+J] • dS = ∫S [jωεEz+Jz] dS ≈ ∫S Jz dS =I
and therefore
μ2 μ1
Im ≡ ∫C Kz ds = - (μ - μ )I
0 0
(B.1.11)
The ratio of the magnetization current to the conduction current is given by constant fm ,
μ2 μ1
fm ≡ I m / I = - ( μ - μ ) . (B.1.12)
0 0
and this result is independent of the shape of the conductor. Of course if μ1 = μ2, there is no
magnetization current and Kz and Im are both zero.
Example: For a round wire of radius a carrying an axially symmetric current distribution, we know that
2πaHθ = I so Hθ = I/(2πa) at the surface. Then
μ2 μ1
Kz = - ( μ - μ ) [ I/(2πa)] . // round wire of radius a and μ2, dielectric μ1 (B.1.13)
0 0
The total surface magnetization current integrated around the round wire surface is then
μ2 μ1
Im = 2πaKz = - ( μ - μ ) I (B.1.14)
0 0
266
in agreement with (B.1.11).

For example, if the dielectric has μ1 = μ0 and the conductor has μ2 = 2μ0, then Imag = - I.
We return to this example in Section B.4 below.
Physical mechanism of the magnetization surface current. As a reminder, a surface magnetization current
arises at a boundary between media with different μ values just the way surface polarization charge arises
at a boundary between media with different ε. In the μ case, here is a suggestive picture :
Fig B.3
On the left we look at a round wire end on, while the right shows a top view where the front end of the
wire on the left has been tilted down. Here μ1= μ0 so there is only vacuum outside the wire. The B field
lines up the little magnetic dipoles (or creates them) according to the right hand rule which we represent
schematically as little atoms with orbiting electrons. On the right, B comes out of paper and lines up the
magnetic moments CCW as shown there. On the left, B goes into paper so the moments are lined up
clockwise instead. In both cases, the resulting magnetization surface current is in the same direction, as
indicated by the arrows of the loops hanging outside the wire. The picture shows why it is that the surface
current is directed opposite to the current J which creates it, a sort of magnetization Lenz's Law. Note that
this surface current is "not seen" by H, but it is seen by B, as mentioned in (1.1.24). [ Atom arrows
represent current, electrons go in the opposite direction.]
In the case that the outer medium has some μ1 > μ0, both media have surface currents at the
boundary, and then when μ1 ≠ μ2 there is a surface current imbalance resulting in a net surface current. If
it happens that μ1 < μ2, then the directions shown above are correct, but if μ1 > μ2, the surface current
runs in the opposite direction to that shown.
There is also a bulk volume magnetization current away from the surface, not shown above. Details
of the magnetization current Jm for a round wire are computed (DC) in Appendix G (G.3.4) where the
current density Jmz includes a surface delta function.
267
B.2 Calculation of H from the current J in a conductor
(a) An expression for H in terms of J
First, we want to clarify the connection between H and J in terms of Maxwell's equations. Since J = σE,
we can write the curl H equation (1.1.1) in these three equivalent ways:
a curl H = jωεE + J = displacement current + conduction current (1.1.1) (B.2.1a)
b curl H = jω(ξ/σ) J ξ ≡ ε - jσ/ω = ε + σ/jω (B.2.1b)
c curl H = jωξ E . (B.2.1c)
Using the identity curl curl = grad div -∇2 and noting that div H = μ div B = 0 from (1.1.4) we find
curl curl H = -∇2H . (B.2.2)
Applying curl to the three forms above, then using (B.2.2) and doing some small algebra as shown below,
one obtains these three exactly equivalent equations for H :
a (∇2 + κ2)H = -curl J κ2 = ω2εμ // agrees with (1.5.26) (B.2.3a)
b ∇2H = - jω(ξ/σ) curl J = - [1 + jω(ε/σ) ] curl J ξ ≡ ε + σ/jω (B.2.3b)
c (∇2 + β2 )H = 0 β2 = ω2ξμ // agrees with (1.5.27) (B.2.3c)
Forms a and c make use of (1.1.2) which says curl E = -jωB = -jωμH .
Algebra:
a -∇2H = curl (jωεE + J) = jωε(-jωμH) + curl J = ω2εμH + curl J = κ2H + curl J
b -∇2H = curl (jω(ξ/σ) J) = jω(ξ/σ) curl J
c -∇2H = curl (jωξ E) = (jωξ)( -jωμH) = ω2ξμ H = β2H
We showed below (2.2.2) that for f << 1018 Hz, we have ωε/σ << 1 (copper). Assuming this inequality
for any practical ω, we know that ε << σ/ω so ξ = σ/jω and β2 = ω2(σ/jω)μ = - jωμσ which agrees with
(1.5.1d). In this situation, since - jω(ξ/σ) = -1, we can write (B.2.3b) above as
∇2H = -curl J . // copper for f << 1018 Hz (B.2.4)
One might wonder how this last equation and (B.2.3a) can both be valid. The reason is that
|κ2/β2| = ω2εμ/ (- jωμσ) = |-ωε/σ| = ωε/σ << 1 . (B.2.5)
Then using this fact and (B.2.3c) we find
268
| κ2H| << | β2 H| = |∇2 H| so | κ2H| << |∇2 H| (B.2.6)
so the κ2 term in (B.2.3a) makes no significant contribution.
Recalling (H.1.8),
-∇2 f(x) = s(x) => f(x) = ∫d3x' [1/4πR] s(x') + homogeneous solutions
The Poisson Equation (H.1.8)
one can write the Helmholtz particular integral solution of (B.2.4) as
H(x) = ∫d3x' [1/4πR] curl' J(x') (B.2.7)
where [1/4πR] is the Laplace free-space propagator.
(b) An alternative derivation using the vector potential A
Consider a conductor with μ,ε,σ,ξ surrounded by a dielectric with μd,εd,σd,ξd . Here are two equations for
the vector potential associated with the conductor current J. The first equation is for the King gauge,
while the second is for the Lorenz gauge:
(∇2 + βd2)A(x) = - μ J(x) (1.5.4) βd2 = ω2μdξd // King gauge (B.2.8a)
(∇2 + β02)A(x) = - μ J(x) . (1.5.28) β02 = ω2με // Lorenz gauge (B.2.8b)
Recalling (H.1.9),
- (∇2+k2) f(x) = s(x) => f(x) = ∫d3x' [e-jkR/4πR] s(x') + homogeneous solutions
The Helmholtz Equation (H.1.9)
we may write down the Helmholtz particular integral solutions to (B.2.8),
A(x) = μ ∫d3x' [e-jβdR/4πR] J(x') King gauge R = |x-x'| (B.2.9a)
A(x) = μ ∫d3x' [e-jβ0R/4πR] J(x') Lorenz gauge R = |x-x'| (B.2.9b)
where [e-jβ0R/4πR] is the usual 3D Helmholtz propagator.
We know that B = curl A and therefore, using βx to stand for either βd or β0,
H(x) = (1/μ) curl A(x) = ∫d3x' curl ( [e-jβxR/4πR] J(x') ) (B.2.10)
269
Notice that J(x') is a constant in terms of the unprimed curl operator. A useful vector identity then is
∇ x (φQ) = ∇φ x Q + φ (∇ x Q) = (∇φ) x Q Q = constant vector .
Thus one may write
H(x) = ∫d3x' ∇[e-jβxR/4πR] x J(x') .
Since R = |x-x'| we know ∇ acting on any function of R is the same as -∇' on that function, so
H(x) = - ∫d3x' ∇'[e-jβxR/4πR] x J(x')
or in components (implied sum on r and s) ,
Hi = - ∫d3x' εirs ∂'r [e-jβxR/4πR] Js(x') .
Doing parts integration and dropping the parts (see Section A.0 (d)), we get
Hi = + ∫d3x' [e-jβxR/4πR] εirs [∂'r Js(x')]

or
H(x) = ∫d3x' [e-jβxR/4πR] curl' J(x') . (B.2.11)
We can compare this result to (B.2.7) obtained assuming f << 1018 Hz,
H(x) = ∫d3x' [1/4πR] curl' J(x') . 3D R = |x-x'| (B.2.7)
We conclude that in either gauge, and for this frequency range with copper, the exponential factor e-jβxR
in (B.2.11) may be ignored. This basically says that the main contribution to the integral comes from the
region near R = 0.
At low ω and in particular at DC with ω = 0, we may assume that J = J(x,y) with no z dependence. In this
case we can do the dz' integration in (B.2.7) as shown in (J.10) which converts [1/4πR] to [-ln(s)/2π ].
Renaming s to be R in 2D, we obtain
H(x,y) = ∫d2x' [-ln(R)/2π] curl' J(x',y') 2D R = |x-x'| (B.2.12)
where now [-ln(R)/2π] is the 2D Laplace free-space propagator of (I.1.8). In fact, this 2D result follows
directly from (I.1.8) if we assume that H = H(x,y) so that ∇2H = ∇2D2 H.
270
(c) Boundary conditions
Recall from (B.1.1) that the tangential component of H is continuous through the boundary between
conductor and dielectric, even if μ1 ≠ μ2. Consider then the transverse component of (B.2.7) at some point
on the conductor surface such as the point shown in Fig 3.3. We have (t = transverse)
Ht(x) = ∫d2x' [1/4πR] ] [curl' J(x')]t R = |x-x'| .
This particular integral is naturally continuous at the boundary between the media, and this agrees with
the fact that Ht(x) must have this property. Therefore, no homogeneous solutions of (B.2.4) ∇2Ht = 0
need be added in, so (B.2.12) is the complete solution for Ht(x). This solution can then be used in
(B.1.10) to find the magnetization surface current.
(d) The Biot-Savart Law in 3D and 2D
Recall from above the 3D vector Helmholtz equation valid for f << 1018 Hz, and its solution
∇2H = - curl J (B.2.4)
H(x) = ∫d3x' [1/4πR] curl' J(x') . R = |x-x'| (B.2.7) (B.2.13)
We shall now reverse the steps done in the previous section, but this time with e-jβxR = 1 based on the
conclusion just drawn above. In components (B.2.7) reads,
Hi(x) = ∫d3x' [ 4πR ] εijk ∂'jJk(x') ,

1
R ≡ x - x' = points to observation point x . (B.2.14)
Then move ∂j' from Jk to (1/R) by parts integration (pick up minus sign) and throw out the parts for the
usual reasons (see Section A.0 (d)),
Hi(x) = - ∫d3x' 4π
1 1
∂'j (R ) εijk Jk(x') . (B.2.15)
Then note that ∂'jR-1 = -R-2 ∂'jR and
∂'jR = ∂'j Σk(x'k-xk)2 = (1/2)(1/R) 2(x'j-xj) = R-1 (x'j-xj) = - R-1 Rj (B.2.16)
so that ∂'jR-1 = +R-3Rj. Only the parts minus sign remains, so
Hi(x) = - ∫d3x' [ 4πR3 ] εijk Rj Jk(x')

1
(B.2.17)
or reversing the cross product order,
271
H(x) = ∫d3x' 4πR3 J(x') x R .

1
R ≡ x - x' (B.2.18)
This equation is basically the 3D Biot-Savart Law, see for example Panofsky and Philips p 125 (7.31).
For a short piece ds' of thin wire carrying current I, one writes J(x') d3x' = I ds' so the above becomes,
H(x) = ∫
1 1
4πR3 I ds' x R or dH(x) = 4πR3 I ds' x R . (B.2.19)
{
We can apply the same process to obtain a 2D Biot-Savart Law as follows. Start with
∇22D H(x,y) = - curl J ^

J = Jz(x,y)z (B.2.4)
and its solution (B.2.5) obtained from (I.1.8)
H(x,y) = ∫d2x' [ 2π ln(1/R) ] curl' J(x')

1
R = |x-x'| (B.2.5)
1
where 2π ln(1/R) is the Laplace 2D free-space propagator. Then, inverting 1/R,
Hi(x,y) = - ∫d2x' [ 2π
1
ln(R) ] εijk ∂'jJk(x') . (B.2.20)
Doing the same parts integration gives
Hi(x,y) = + ∫d2x' [ 2π
1
∂'j ln(R) ] εijk Jk(x') (B.2.21)
and now using result (B.2.16) from above,
∂'j ln(R) = R-1∂'jR = R-1 [- R-1 Rj] = -R-2Rj (B.2.22)
we get
Hi(x,y) = - ∫d2x' [ 2π
1
R-2Rj ] εijk Jk(x') = - ∫d2x' 2πR2 εijk Rj Jk(x')
1
(B.2.23)
or
H(x,y) = ∫d2x' 1
2πR2 J(x') x R R ≡ x - x' (B.2.24)
which is the 2D Biot-Savart Law. It provides a way to obtain H from J in a 2D problem. In such a
problem, we assume that J = J(x,y) with no z dependence.
272
B.3 General Method for computing the surface current Jm on a wire
Here are the steps for a wire of arbitrary cross sectional shape:
1. Compute H from J. Consider these sets of equations obtained above:
3D
H(x) = ∫d3x' 4πR
1
curl' J(x') . R = |x-x'| (B.2.7)
H(x) = ∫d3x' 1
4πR3 J(x') x R . R ≡ x - x' Biot-Savart (B.2.18)
A(x) = μ ∫d3x' 4πR J(x')

1
R = |x-x'| H = (1/μ) curl A (B.2.9)
2D
H(x,y) = ∫d2x' ln(1/R)
2π curl' J(x',y') R = |x-x'| (B.2.12)
H(x,y) = ∫d2x' 1
2πR2 J(x',y') x R R ≡ x - x' Biot-Savart (B.2.24)
A(x,y) = μ ∫d2x'
ln(1/R)
2π J(x',y') R = |x-x'| H = (1/μ) curl A (B.3.1)
where the last line for A is the same 3D→2D reduction used for H. For either 3D or 2D, we thus provide
three different methods for computing H from J.
2. Evaluate this H field at xb = (xb,yb) for all points xb on the cross section boundary.
3. Compute the component of H which is tangential to the boundary in the cross sectional plane. Call this
component Hθ.
4. The surface current density is then given by (B.1.10),
μ2 μ1
Kz = - ( μ - μ ) Hθ amps/m (B.1.10)
0 0
B.4 Surface current on a round wire with uniform J
For a round wire of radius a with uniform Jz (as would be the DC case ω = 0), geometric symmetry makes
the calculation of H very easy. One need only apply Ampere's Law separately for a point r outside the
wire, and for another point r inside the wire. For the outside case one finds
2πr Hθ(r) = I => Hθ(r) = I/(2πr) r≥a . (B.4.1)
And then for the inside case the "current enclosed" is determined by a simple area fraction.
273
2πr Hθ(r) = I (πr2/πa2) => Hθ(r) = I r/(2πa2) r≤a . (B.4.2)
At the boundary the two expressions agree and we have
Hθ = I/(2πa) . (B.4.3)
If this wire has magnetic permeability μ2 and is embedded in an infinite medium of μ1, then the surface
magnetization current induced on the wire is
μ2 μ1 μ2 μ1
Kz = - ( μ - μ ) Hθ = - ( μ - μ ) I/(2πa) amp/m (B.4.4)
0 0 0 0
Kz = Kz^
z (B.4.5)
and this surface current is in the direction opposite J if μ2 > μ1. If μ1 = μ2, the surface current vanishes.
This surface current could be expressed in volume density form as
^
Jm = Kzδ(r-a)z amp/m2 . (B.4.6)
B.5 Computing Hθ for a round wire using the General Method of B.3
For a wire of some general cross section, symmetry is not available to allow the simple solution for Hθ
outlined in the previous section. We then have to use the more general method outlined in Section B.3
above. As a check on the viability of this general method, we shall carry out "step 1" of the method and
show how Hθ may be computed from J using the 2D formula (B.2.12).
The conduction current density in a round wire with uniform Jz is given by
Jz(r) = J0θ(a-r) (B.5.1)
where θ is the Heaviside step function. Our first step is to compute curl J, and we do this in cylindrical
coordinates by just staring at the cylindrical-coordinates curl formula,
r [ r-1∂θJz - ∂zJθ] + ^
curl J = ^ θ [∂zJr - ∂rJz] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rJθ) - r-1∂θJr ] (B.5.2)
and finding the only non-zero piece which is this (uniform Jz),
curl J = [-∂rJz(r)] ^
θ. (B.5.3)
Inserting Jz(r) from above we find
∂r Jz(r) = J0 ∂rθ(a-r) = - J0 δ(r-a) (B.5.4)
274
=> curl J(r) = ^

θ J0 δ(r-a) . (B.5.5)
so we have a "ring source of curl J". For use in our integral for H we then have
curl' J(r') = ^
θ ' J0 δ(r'-a) . (B.5.6)
For a current distribution which tapers off smoothly to 0 at the wire edge one would not have this singular
contribution, but for a wire with prescribed uniform current, it is present, and curl J vanishes everywhere
but on the boundary. The relevant picture is this:
Fig B.4
From (B.2.12) the H field at any point x = (x,y) is then given by
H(x,y) = - 4π ∫d2x' ln(R2) curl' J(x') = - 4π ∫d2x' ln(R2) ^

1 1
θ ' J0 δ(r'-a)
J0a
= - 4π ∫ dθ' ln(R2)|r'=a ^
π
θ'
-π
or
J0a
∫-π dθ' ln [ r2 + a2 - 2ar cos(θ'-θ) ] ^θ' .
π
H(r,θ) = - 4π (B.5.7)
The figure shows that
^
θ ' = cosθ' ^
y - sinθ' ^
x (B.5.8)
so then
J0a
∫-π dθ' ln [ r2 + a2 - 2ar cos(θ'-θ) ] [cosθ' ^y - sinθ' ^x ]
π
H(r,θ) = - 4π . (B.5.9)
Next, let x ≡ θ'-θ. Since the ∫dθ' has full range 2π, one can replace ∫-π dθ' = ∫-π dx . Then
π π
275
J0a
∫-π dx ln [ r2 + a2 - 2ar cos(x) ] [cos(x+θ) ^y - sin(x+θ) ^x ] .
π
H(r,θ) = - 4π (B.5.10)
Now writing H = Hx ^
x + Hy ^
y , decompose the above into two equations
J0a
∫-π dx ln [ r2 + a2 - 2ar cos(x) ] sin(x+θ)
π
Hx(r,θ) = + 4π
J0a
∫-π dx ln [ r2 + a2 - 2ar cos(x) ] cos(x+θ)
π
Hy(r,θ) = - 4π (B.5.11)
or
J0a
∫-π dx ln [ r2 + a2 - 2ar cos(x) ] [ sinxcosθ+cosxsinθ ]
π
Hx(r,θ) = + 4π
J0a
∫-π dx ln [ r2 + a2 - 2ar cos(x) ] [cosxcosθ - sinxsinθ ] .
π
Hy(r,θ) = - 4π (B.5.12)
∫-π dx is over an even range, throw out odd integrand terms, and then fold the negative range into
π
Since
the positive adding a factor of 2 to get
J0a J0a
∫0
π
Hx(r,θ) = + sinθ 2π dx ln [ r2 + a2 - 2ar cos(x) ] cosx ≡ sinθ 2π Q
J0a J0a
∫0
π
Hy(r,θ) = - cosθ 2π dx ln [ r2 + a2 - 2ar cos(x) ] cosx = -cosθ 2π Q (B.5.13)
where
∫0
π
Q≡ dx ln [ r2 + a2 - 2ar cos(x) ] cosx . (B.5.14)
Before evaluating this integral, we see that
J0a J0a
H = Hx ^
x + Hy ^
y = - 2π Q [ cosθ ^ x ] = - 2π Q ^
y -sinθ ^ θ = Hθ ^
θ . (B.5.15)
Thus we find that the resulting H is entirely in the ^

θ direction and
J0a
Hθ = - 2π Q . (B.5.16)
We seek now to evaluate this integral Q,
∫0
π
Q≡ dx ln [ r2 + a2 - 2ar cos(x) ] cosx
276
∫0
π
= dx ln [ {a2}{ (r/a)2 + 1 - 2(r/a) cos(x)} ] cosx
∫0
π
= dx { ln (a2) + ln[(r/a)2 + 1 - 2(r/a) cos(x)] } cosx
= ln (a2)[ ∫ dx cosx ] + ∫0
π π
dx ln[(r/a)2 + 1 - 2(r/a) cos(x)] cosx
0
∫0
π
= ln (a2)[0] + dx ln[α2 + 1 - 2α cos(x)] cosx where α ≡ r/a
∫0
π
= dx ln[α2 + 1 - 2α cos(x)] cosx . // = Q (B.5.17)
This integral is the n=1 special case of the following integral from GR7 page 589 4.379.6,
Therefore we find
⎧ -π(r/a) r<a
Q = ⎨ -π(a/r) r >a (B.5.18)
⎩
so
J0a ⎧ (aJ0/2) (r/a) r<a
Hθ = - 2π Q = ⎨ (aJ /2) (a/r) r >a . (B.5.19)
⎩ 0
Now the total current in the wire is I = J0πa2 so (aJ0/2) = (I/2πa) and then
⎧ (I/2πa) (r/a) r<a ⎧ I (r/2πa2) r<a

Hθ = ⎨ (I/2πa) (a/r) r >a = ⎨ . (B.5.20)
⎩ ⎩ I (1/2πr) r>a
Thus, we finally arrive at the same results for Hθ as obtained in (B.4.2) and (B.4.1).
277
B.6 Modification of King's Helmholtz integral solution when μ1 ≠ μ2
(a) General Discussion
In Section 4.7 we wrote the King gauge vector potential for transmission line conductor C in this manner,
1
Az(x,ω) = 4π ∫C
e-jβdR
μ2 Jzc(x',y',z',ω) R dx'dy'dz' . R = |x - x'| (4.7.2)
where we have made a notational change to be consistent with previous sections of Appendix B. Here we
use μ2 to refer to the permeability of the conductor, and μ1 to be that of the dielectric (these are called μ
and μd in Section 4). The above "Helmholtz integral" is only the "particular solution" of the Helmholtz
equation (∇2 + β12)Az= -μ2Jcz. When μ1 ≠ μ2, it turns out that one must add a homogeneous solution
Az(homo) [ that is, (∇2 + β12) Az(homo) = 0] to the Helmholtz solution shown above in order to meet
boundary conditions. Appendix G.4 provides a very detailed study of just how this works for a round
conductor with a uniform current distribution.
To avoid this major complication, we limited the analysis of Chapter 4 to the case that μ1 = μ2. This
means, for example, that Chapters 4,5,6 are applicable for non-magnetic conductors in a non-magnetic
dielectric, in which case μ1 = μ2 = μ0. The work presented below generalizing to μ1 ≠ μ2 is then
summarized in Section 4.13.
With the reader's permission, we replicate an abbreviated version of the comments below (4.7.6),
making a few small notational changes:
Comments regarding μ
This is a subtle subject and is not discussed in King's transmission line theory book.
The solution Az of (4.7.2) is continuous at the conductor boundary whether or not μ1 = μ2. The condition
on the normal slope of Az at the boundary is given by (1.1.46) since there is no free surface current on the
boundary (ignoring the tiny Debye surface charge current). Thus we have these boundary conditions :
Az(x+) = Az(x-)
(1/μ1) ∂nAz(x+) = (1/μ2) ∂nAz(x-) (4.7.9) (B.6.0)
where x+ is just outside the conductor surface and x- is just inside.

If μ1 = μ2, there is no "magnetic boundary" at the surface, and (B.6.0) says ∂nAz1(x+) = ∂nAz1(x-),
so both the function Az and its normal derivative are continuous through the boundary -- nothing special
is happening there. Thus, the Helmholtz integral solution (4.7.2) provides the whole solution for Az in
both the dielectric and conductor since it meets both "boundary conditions" at this pseudo boundary.
If μ1 ≠ μ2, then there is a magnetic boundary between conductor and dielectric which we have to
worry about. In this case, (4.7.2) applied in both dielectric and conductor cannot possibly satisfy the
second boundary condition of (B.6.0) since, as already noted, the Az of (4.7.2) satisfies ∂nAz1(x+) =
∂nAz1(x+). Thus, in this case (4.7.2) is not the full solution for Az1. One must add a homogeneous
278
Helmholtz equation solution to (4.7.2) in order to have a proper solution for Az that satisfies both
equations in (4.7.9).
It turns out that the correct total Az solution can be generated by adding a certain fictitious surface
current to μ2Jz in (4.7.2). Since such a surface current vanishes on both sides of the boundary between μ1
and μ2, the Helmholtz solution due just to this surface current is in fact a homogeneous solution to the
Helmholtz equation in both the conductor and dielectric regions, away from that boundary. It turns out
moreover that the correct fictitious surface current to add is in fact the magnetization surface current Jm
which is created at the boundary between μ1 ≠ μ2. Adding this surface current is just a "trick" in order to
generate the correct homogeneous adder solution so that the resulting total Az satisfies both boundary
conditions in (B.6.0). Formally speaking, the J appearing in (1.5.3) and then Jz in (4.7.2) should not
include such magnetization currents since this J is really the J in Maxwell's equation curl H = ∂tD + J,
and this J does not include magnetization currents -- it includes only normal conduction currents.
Here we wish to prove the claim that adding the surface magnetization current to the conduction current
does in fact make the boundary conditions work. After doing this proof, we will show in Section B.7 just
how this works out in the case of a round conductor.
We stress that only the surface part of Jm gets added in. In general Jm will also have a "bulk" component in
the dielectric and conductor. If we were to include this bulk component, we would not be adding a
homogeneous solution to the particular solution, and we would in fact be creating a non-solution! In
(G.3.4) we show the complete Jm for a round wire carrying a uniform current, and it does have both bulk
and surface components.
(b) Statement and Proof of the Jm Lemma
The Jm Lemma. If Jmz represents the surface component of magnetization current density for a
transmission line conductor C of μ2 with conduction current density Jcz, embedded in a dielectric
medium of μ1, then if we write
1
Az(x) = 4π ∫C
e-jβdR
[μ2 Jcz(x') + μ0 Jmz(x')] R dV' . R = |x - x'| (B.6.1)
this Az(x) will satisfy the boundary conditions (B.6.0) shown above. Parameter βd is for the dielectric,
and should be called β1, but we leave it as βd as used in Chapter 4.
Comments.
1. In this Lemma, we are showing that the contribution to Az(x) just from conductor C satisfies the
boundary condition (B.6.0) at the surface of conductor C if we add in the surface current term μ0 Jmz(x')
as shown. What we really want to show is that the total Az(x) due to all the transmission line conductors
satisfies (B.6.0) at the surface of conductor C. This will be the content of the Jm Theorem presented in
Section (c) below. Once this Theorem is proved, we know that "the other conductors" don't interfere with
279
the Jm Lemma and we can regard the boundary conditions on Az(x) given in (B.6.1) as applying also to
the full Az(x) which includes the contributions of all conductors.
2. Our proof below applies in the "transmission line limit" of Sections 4.3 and 4.9 which is essentially a
long wavelength and small βd limit. In this limit, we can replace our various Helmholtz propagators
below with Laplace propagators. Nevertheless, we maintain the Helmholtz forms in the hope that the
above theorem is valid for reasonably moderate βd values. At large βd values (relative to transverse
dimension D so that βdD no longer << 1 as in (4.3.4)) our whole TEM transmission line framework
collapses, the transmission line limit is violated and the entire theory of Chapters 4 and 5 no longer
applies.
(1) Preliminaries
We first quote a key result from Stakgold concerning a boundary layer function a(ξ):
u(x) = ∫σ dSξ a(ξ) E(x|ξ)
u(s) = ∫σ dSξ a(ξ) E(s|ξ) (B.6.2)
∂νu(x) = ∫σ dSξ a(ξ) ∂νE(x|ξ)
= ∫σ dSξ a(ξ) ∂νE(s|ξ) ∓ a(s)/2

→s±
∂νu(s) = [∂nu(x)]x // extra term ! (B.6.3)
This is a tricky subject and some words are certainly in order. In the Stakgold world, σ is a surface of n-1
dimensions existing in an n dimensional space. E(x|ξ) is the free-space propagator in that n dimensional
space (the "fundamental solution"). The integrals shown above are over the surface σ, and ξ represents the
n-1 dimensional coordinate of a point on the surface σ, while dSξ is a piece of "area" on the surface.
(Stakgold does not write vectors in bold font as we do in this document.) Function a(ξ) is defined on the
surface and is called a simple (monopole) boundary layer. Stakgold also deals with dipole layers (as in a
cell membrane), but we don't care about them right now.
The question at hand is this: What happens as a point x away from the surface approaches the surface
where it becomes point s? We are interested in the limit x → s. As shown in the first pair of equations
(B.6.2), nothing unusual happens for the function u(x) defined as shown by the integral. One then says
that u(x) is "continuous" at x = s. But something very unusual happens for the function ∂νu(x) where ∂ν
denotes a derivative locally normal to the surface at s. As x → s an "extra term" appears as shown above
having value ∓a(s)/2. If normal ν points "out" from the surface then as one approaches from the outside
(call it the + side), the extra term is -a(s)/2, but if the approach is from the inside (- side), the extra term
changes sign. Here is a picture illustrating the geometry of the above equations: ( n is normal at ξ , ν is
normal at s)
280
Fig B.5
The reason the extra term appears has to do with the nature of the dξ integration when ξ is very close to s
which is somewhat of a singular situation since R ≡ |s-ξ| → 0. Stakgold treats surface layers in Section 6.4
of his Volume II, pages 110-120, and his treatment involves a lot of detail. The claims shown above
appear on pages 118 and 119, though the conclusions are a bit obscured in the detail. Stakgold works in
3D with E(x|ξ) = (1/4π|x-ξ|) = 1/4πR and often uses these quantities,
k(s,ξ) = cos(s ^- ξ, n^)/ [4π|s-ξ|2] // cos(upper marked angle)

k(ξ,s) = cos(ξ ^- s, ^ν)/[4π|s-ξ|2] = ∂νE(s|ξ) . // cos(lower marked angle)
Later in his Problem 6.18 through 6.20 Stakgold has the reader verify that the results are also valid in 2D
where surface σ is then just a curve. These are the results we shall use. Although he does not state it
outright, we think his results are probably valid for σ being a surface of any number of dimensions, but
our only interest will be the 2D case.
(2) Outline of Proof of the Jm Lemma
We break up (B.6.1) into these two terms, a "conduction term" and a "magnetization" term,
1
Az(c)(x) = 4π ∫C [μ
2 Jcz(x')]
e-jβdR
R dV' . R = |x - x'| (B.6.4)
Az (m) 1
(x) = 4π ∫C
e-jβdR
[μ0 Jmz(x')] R dV' . R = |x - x'| (B.6.5)
Az(x) = Az(c)(x) + Az(m)(x) . two terms (B.6.6)
As noted earlier, the first term is smooth at a point s on a conductor surface and satisfies the two boundary
conditions,
Az(c)(s+) = Az(c)(s-)
∂nAz(c)(s+) = ∂nAz(c)(s-) . (B.6.7)
so one can write Az(c)(s) or ∂nAz(c)(s) without concern for whether s is s+ or s-. For this term, which is
the Helmholtz "particular" integral, we may then trivially write,
281
1 (c) 1 (c) 1 1 (c)

μ1 ∂nAz (s+) – μ2 ∂nAz (s-) = + [ μ1 - μ2 ] ∂nAz (s) . (B.6.8)
Since this is non-zero, the term Az(c) on its own does not meet the required slope boundary condition
(B.6.0) at an interface between μ1 and μ2, and that is precisely why we need the Az(m) term. Our goal is
to show that
1 (m) 1 (m) 1 1 (c)

μ1 ∂nAz (s+) – μ2 ∂nAz (s-) = – [ μ1 - μ2 ] ∂nAz (s) (B.6.9)
so that when we add the two terms we will get
1 1
μ1 ∂n Az (s+) – μ2 ∂nAz(s-) = 0 (B.6.10)
as required by (1.1.46). The concludes our proof outline, and it remains then to demonstrate (B.6.9).
(3) Verification of (B.6.9)

We start with (B.6.5) where ∫dV' is over the entire transmission line conductor C,
Az (m) 1
(x) = 4π ∫
C
e-jβdR
dV' [μ0 Jmz(x')] R
= ∫C dV' [μ 0 Jmz(x') E3(x|x') (B.6.11)
where
e-jβdR 1
E3(x|x') = R → 4πR as βd→0 . (B.6.12)
We know from Chapter 4 that in the transmission line limit we can do the dz' integration in dV' and arrive
at a 2D-propagator expression for the above potential, where the integral is now over the cross section
area of the conductor C,
Az(m)(x) = ∫C dS' [μ0 Jmz(x')] E2(x|x') (B.6.13)
where
1
E2(x|x') = (j/4) H0(1)(βdR) → - 2π ln(R2) as βd→0 . (B.6.14)
This whole subject of transitioning from the 3D to 2D analysis is reviewed in Appendix J, and it occurs in
many places in this document.
282
We are only using that portion of Jmz which is a surface current on the perimeter of C, so we rewrite the
above as
Az(m)(x) = ∫
{ C ds' [μ0 Kz(x')] E2(x|x') (B.6.15)
where Kz(x') is the magnetization surface current (amps/m) discussed in Section B.1. Stakgold's surface
integral over σ is now just a line integral around the perimeter of the conductor C cross section. Recall
from (B.1.10) that the magnetization surface current is given by,
μ2 μ1
Kz = - ( μ - μ ) Hθ (B.1.10)
0 0
where Hθ is the H field tangent to the cross section surface. Inserting this Kz into (B.6.15) gives
Az(m)(x) = ∫
{ C ds' [(μ1-μ2) Hθ(x')] E2(x|x') . (B.6.16)
We now identify this with the first of Stakgold's equations (B.6.2) where [(μ1-μ2) Hθ(x')] plays the role of
the boundary monolayer function a(ξ). We know we can take x→s with no surprises. If we now replace
Stakgold's normal direction ν with our usual normal symbol n, we can write (B.6.3) as
∂nAz(m)(x) = ∫
{C ds' [(μ1-μ2) Hθ(x')] ∂nE2(x|x') (B.6.17)
∂nAz(m)(s±) = ∫
{ C ds' [(μ1-μ2) Hθ(x')] ∂nE2(s|x') ∓ [(μ1-μ2) Hθ(s)]/2 . (B.6.18)
Now since we want to prove (B.6.9), we first evaluate its left hand side using (B.6.18) twice,
1 (m) 1 (m)
μ1 ∂nAz (s+) – μ2 ∂nAz (s-)
= μ {∫
1 {
C ds' [(μ1-μ2) Hθ(x')] ∂nE2(s|x') - [(μ1-μ2) Hθ(s)]/2 }
1
– μ {∫
1 {
C ds' [(μ1-μ2) Hθ(x')] ∂nE2(s|x') + [(μ1-μ2) Hθ(s)]/2 } (B.6.19)
2
= (μ1-μ2) [ μ - μ ] ∫
1 1 { 1 1
C ds' Hθ(x') ∂nE2(s|x') – [ μ + μ ] (μ1-μ2) Hθ(s)/2 .
1 2 1 2
Our task of showing that (B.6.9) is true then boils down to showing that the last expression above is equal
1 1
to – [μ - μ ] ∂nAz(c)(s) . That is to say, we have to show
1 2
283
(μ1-μ2) [μ - μ ] ∫
1 1 { 1 1 1 1 (c)
C ds' Hθ(x') ∂nE2(s|x') – [μ + μ ] (μ1-μ2) Hθ(s)/2 = – [μ - μ ] ∂nAz (s) ?
1 2 1 2 1 2
(B.6.20)
A question mark indicates an equation that we want to show is true, but have not yet done so.
Canceling (μ1-μ2) factors, (B.6.20) becomes
[μ - μ ] ∫
1 1 { 1 1 1 (c)
C ds' Hθ(x') ∂nE2(s|x') – [μ + μ ] Hθ(s)/2 = + μ μ ∂nAz (s) ? (B.6.21)
1 2 1 2 1 2
or
(μ2-μ1) ∫
{ C ds' Hθ(x') ∂nE2(s|x') – (1/2)(μ2+μ1) Hθ(s) = ∂nAz(c)(s ) . ? (B.6.22)
The integral in (B.6.22) can be replaced using (B.6.18) with the s+ choice,
∂nAz(m)(s+) = ∫
{ C ds' [(μ1-μ2) Hθ(x')] ∂nE2(s|x') - (1/2)[(μ1-μ2) Hθ(s) (B.6.18)+
so
(μ2-μ1) ∫
{ C ds' Hθ(x') ∂nE2(s|x') = – ∂nAz(m)(s+) – (1/2) (μ1-μ2) Hθ(s) . (B.6.23)
Equation (B.6.22) then becomes,
– ∂nAz(m)(s+) – (1/2)(μ1-μ2) Hθ(s) – (1/2)(μ2+μ1) Hθ(s) = ∂nAz(c)(s) ?

or
– ∂nAz(m)(s+) – μ1 Hθ(s) = ∂nAz(c)(s) ?
or
– μ1 Hθ(s) = ∂n [Az(c)(s) + Az(m)(s+) ] ?
or
– μ1 Hθ(s) = ∂nAz(s+) . ? // using (B.6.6) (B.6.24)
We now introduce a local cylindrical coordinate system in this manner relative to point s :
284
Fig B.6
Notice that ^
r is the normal vector at point s, so ∂r = ∂n. Then first we determine Bθ,
r [ r-1∂θAz - ∂zAθ] + ^
B = curl A = ^ θ [∂zAr - ∂rAz] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rAθ) - r-1∂θAr ]
=^r [ r-1∂ A ] + ^
θ z θ [- ∂ A ]
r z
= ^
θ [- ∂rAz] .
Here we have set ∂θAz = 0 according to Fact 7 of (3.8.9) which says Az is constant on the cross section
surface (which implies the strong or extreme skin effect regime). The result is then,
Bθ(s+) = - ∂nAz(s+) . (B.6.25)
Since s+ is in the dielectric with μ1 we then have
Hθ(s+) = (1/μ1) Bθ(s+) = - (1/μ1) ∂rAz(s+) // Hθ(s+) = Hθ(s-) = Hθ(s) says (1.1.42)
so
-μ1 Hθ(s) = ∂rAz(s+) = ∂nAz(s+) . (B.6.26)
But this last equation matches our equation in question (B.6.24), so we can then go back and erase all the
question marks and we have then verified equation (B.6.9) and our proof is complete.
Comment: We noted that Stakgold's analysis is quite complicated. He uses the Laplace free-space
propagators such as E2(x|x') = -(1/2π) ln(R2), but we think his analysis also applies for the Helmholtz
propagators. The reason is that the Helmholtz complication does not really change the singular nature of
things near R = 0. This is most obvious when comparing e-jβdR /4πR to 1/4πR. If we are wrong about
this conjecture, we can regard the above theorem as proven only for small βd which in fact defines the
transmission line limit.
285
(c) Statement and Proof of the Jm Theorem
The Jm Theorem. A transmission line consists of two conductors called C2 and C3, since index 1 is
reserved for the dielectric. For example, the dielectric has permeability μ1 (but we write βd in place of
β1). The total "particular" vector potential Az(x) due to the conduction currents in these two conductors
is, according to (1.5.9),
∫
-jβdR
part 1 e
A(x) = 4π Σi=23 μiJci(x') R dV' . R = |x-x'| (1.5.9)
Ci
The theorem claims that (1) the correct adjusted total potential is given by
1
A(x) = 4π Σi=2 3
Ci
∫ e-jβdR
[ μiJci(x') + μ0Jmi(x')] R dV' . (B.6.27)
where Jmi(x') represents the surface current at the surface of conductor Ci, and (2) this correct total
potential satisfies the boundary conditions (B.6.0) at the surface of both conductors.
We claim the theorem is also true for a transmission line consisting of any number of conductors, but we
restrict our interest to two conductors. We shall show for (B.6.27) that (B.6.0) is valid at the surface of
conductor C2 and a similar argument then shows it is also valid at the surface of C3.
In the theory of Chapters 4 and 5, the transverse components of A are ignored, and our real interest is the
z component of (B.6.27),
1
Az(x) = 4π Σi=23 ∫C [ μ J
i
i czi(x') + μ0Jmzi(x')]
e-jβdR
R dV' . (B.6.28)
To enhance clarity, we shall give each conductor its own custom integration variable. By adding primes,
we shadow the equation numbers from section (b) (2) above which proves the Jm Lemma.
The expression above contains four terms which we now write out:
286
Az (c2) 1
(x) = 4π ∫C2
e-jβdR2
[μ2 Jcz2(x2')] R
2
dV2' R2 = |x - x2'|
Az (c3) 1
(x) = 4π ∫C3
e-jβdR3
[μ3 Jcz3(x3')] R
3
dV3' R3 = |x - x3'| (B.6.4)'
Az (m2) 1
(x) = 4π ∫C2
e-jβdR2
[μ0 Jmz2(x2')] R
2
dV2' R2 = |x - x2'|
1
Az(m3)(x) = 4π ∫C [μ
3
0 Jmz3(x3')]
e-jβdR3
R3 dV3' R3 = |x - x3'| (B.6.5')
Az(x) = Az(c2)(x) + Az(c3)(x) + Az(m2)(x) + Az(m3)(x) . (B.6.6)'
Without loss of generality, we shall consider x → s where s is a point on the surface of conductor C2.
The "conduction solutions" Az(ci) (that is to say, the particular solutions) are naturally smooth at point s,
as described in the text surrounding (B.6.0). Thus, we know that
Az(ci)(s+) = Az(ci)(s-)
∂nAz(ci)(s+) = ∂nAz(ci)(s-) . i = 2, 3 (B.6.7)'
Since s = s+ = s- for these functions, we may trivially write
1 (c2) 1
μ1 ∂n[Az (s+) + Az(c3)(s+)] – μ ∂n[Az(c2)(s-) + Az(c3)(s-)]
2
1 1
= + [ μ - μ ] ∂n[Az(c2)(s) + Az(c3)(s)]. (B.6.8)'
1 2
Since this is non-zero, the term [Az(c2)(s+) + Az(c3)(s+)] on its own does not meet the required slope
boundary condition (B.6.0) at an interface between μ1 and μ2, and that is precisely why we need the
Az(m) terms. Our goal is to show that
1 (m2) 1
μ1 ∂n[Az (s+) + Az(m3)(s+)] – μ ∂n[Az(m2)(s-) + Az(m3)(s-)]
2
1 1
= - [ μ - μ ] ∂n[Az(c2)(s) + Az(c3)(s)] . (B.6.9)'
1 2
so that when we add the four terms of (B.6.6)' we will get
287
1 1
μ1 ∂nAz(s+) – μ2 ∂nAz(s-) = 0 (B.6.10)
as required by (1.1.46). The concludes our proof outline, and it remains then to demonstrate (B.6.9)'.
At this point, we skip over several equations of the Lemma proof since they are all generalized simply by
adding 2 or 3 subscripts in the right places. For example, the surface currents are given by,
μ2 μ1
Kz2 = - ( μ - μ ) Hθ2 on C2
0 0
μ3 μ1
Kz3 = - ( μ - μ ) Hθ3 on C3 . (B.1.10)
0 0
We arrive then at (B.6.16)' as follows ( recall that E2 is the 2D Helmholtz propagator ),
Az(m2)(x) = ∫
{ C2 ds2' [(μ1-μ2) Hθ2(x2')] E2(x|x2')
Az(m3)(x) = ∫
{ C3 ds3' [(μ1-μ3) Hθ3(x3')] E2(x|x3') . (B.6.16)'
We regard these as two representations of Stakgold's first equation (B.6.2). Nothing special happens in
these equations as x → s. Thus, we can say that in either case, Az(mi)(s+) = Az(mi)(s-). When this is
combined with the first line of (B.6.7)', we find by adding all four terms in (B.6.6)' that Az(s+) = Az(s-)
and we have thus shown that the first boundary condition of the pair (B.6.0) is satisfied.
A major difference appears at the next step (B.6.18)' ,
∂nAz(m2)(s±) = ∫
{ C2 ds2' [(μ1-μ2) Hθ2(x')] ∂nE2(s|x2') ∓ [(μ1-μ2) Hθ2(s)]/2 .
∂nAz(m3)(s±) = ∫
{ C3 ds3' [(μ1-μ3) Hθ3(x')] ∂nE2(s|x3') . (B.6.18)'
The "extra Stakgold term" only appears when a point s lies on the surface being integrated over since it is
this integration which gives rise to the singular situation. Since our s lies on C2 and not on C3, there is no
"extra term" in the last equation above.
Now since we want to prove (B.6.9)', we first evaluate its left hand side using each equation of (B.6.18)'
twice,
288
1 (m2) 1
μ1 ∂n[Az (s+) + Az(m3)(s+)] – μ ∂n[Az(m2)(s-) + Az(m3)(s-)]
2
= μ {∫
1 { 1
C2 ds2' [(μ1-μ2) Hθ2(x2')] ∂nE2(s|x2') - [(μ1-μ2) Hθ2(s)]/2 } // μ ∂n Az(m2)(s+)
1 1
– μ {∫
1 { 1
C2 ds2' [(μ1-μ2) Hθ2(x2')] ∂nE2(s|x2') + [(μ1-μ2) Hθ2(s)]/2 } // - μ ∂n Az(m2)(s-)
2 2
+ μ {∫
1 { 1
C3 ds3' [(μ1-μ3) Hθ3(x3')] ∂nE2(s|x3') } // μ ∂n Az(m3)(s+)
1 1
– μ {∫
1 { 1
C3 ds3' [(μ1-μ3) Hθ3(x3')] ∂nE2(s|x3') } // - μ ∂n Az(m3)(s-)
2 2
= (μ1-μ2) [ μ - μ ] ∫
1 1 { 1 1
C2 ds2' Hθ2(x2') ∂nE2(s|x2') – [ μ + μ ] (μ1-μ2) Hθ2(s)/2
1 2 1 2
1 1
+ (μ1-μ3) [ μ - μ ]
1 2
∫
{ C3 ds3' Hθ3(x3')] ∂nE2(s|x3') (B.6.19)'
where the last line was not present in (B.6.19). Our task of showing that (B.6.9)' is true then boils down to
1 1
showing that the last expression above is equal to - [ μ - μ ] ∂n[Az(c2)(s) + Az(c3)(s)] . That is to say,
1 2
we have to show
(μ1-μ2) [ μ - μ ] ∫
1 1 { 1 1
C2 ds2' Hθ2(x2') ∂nE2(s|x2') – [ μ + μ ] (μ1-μ2) Hθ2(s)/2
1 2 1 2
+ (μ1-μ3) [ μ - μ ] ∫
1 1 { 1 1 (c2)
C3 ds3' Hθ3(x3')] ∂nE2(s|x3') = - [ μ - μ ] ∂n[Az (s) + Az(c3)(s)] . ?
1 2 1 2
(B.6.20)'
As before, a question mark indicates an equation that we want to show is true, but have not yet done so.
Cancelling (μ1-μ2) factors gives
[μ -μ ]∫
1 1 { 1 1
C2 ds2' Hθ2(x2') ∂nE2(s|x2') – [ μ + μ ] Hθ2(s)/2
1 2 1 2
1
- (μ1-μ3) μ μ
1 2
∫
{ C3
1
ds3' Hθ3(x3')] ∂nE2(s|x3') = + μ μ ∂n[Az(c2)(s) + Az(c3)(s)]
1 2
?
or (B.6.21)'
(μ2-μ1) ∫
{ C2 ds2' Hθ2(x2') ∂nE2(s|x2') – (μ2+μ1) Hθ2(s)/2
+ (μ3-μ1) ∫
{ C3 ds3' Hθ3(x3')] ∂nE2(s|x3') = ∂n[Az(c2)(s) + Az(c3)(s)] . ? (B.6.22)'
The integrals in (B.6.22)' can be replaced using (B.6.18)' with the s+ choice,
289
∂nAz(m2)(s+) = ∫
{ C2 ds2' [(μ1-μ2) Hθ2(x2')] ∂nE2(s|x2') - (1/2)[(μ1-μ2) Hθ2(s)
∂nAz(m3)(s) = ∫
{ C3 ds3' [(μ1-μ3) Hθ3(x2')] ∂nE2(s|x3') (B.6.18)+
so
(μ2-μ1) ∫
{ C2 ds2' Hθ2(x2') ∂nE2(s|x2') = – ∂nAz(m2)(s+) - (1/2)[(μ1-μ2) Hθ2(s)
(μ3-μ1) ∫
{ C3 ds3' Hθ3(x3')] ∂nE2(s|x3') = – ∂nAz(m3)(s) . (B.6.23)'
Equation (B.6.22)' then becomes
– ∂nAz(m2)(s+) - (1/2)[(μ1-μ2) Hθ2(s) – (μ2+μ1) Hθ2(s)/2

– ∂nAz(m3)(s) = ∂n[Az(c2)(s) + Az(c3)(s)] ?
or
– ∂nAz(m2)(s+) – μ1 Hθ2(s)
– ∂nAz(m3)(s) = ∂n[Az(c2)(s) + Az(c3)(s)] ?
or
- μ1Hθ2(s) = ∂n[Az(c2)(s) + Az(c3)(s) + Az(m2)(s+) + ∂nAz(m3)(s) ] ?
or
- μ1Hθ2(s) = ∂nAz(s+) ? // using (B.6.6)'. (B.6.24)'
But this last equation is true as shown in Fig B.6 (with C = C2) and (B.6.26), so we can then go back and
erase all the question marks and we have then verified equation (B.6.9)' and our proof is complete.
By then taking s to be a point on the surface of C3, we would find - μ1Hθ3(s) = ∂nAz(s+) for (B.6.24)' and
then Fig B.6 with C = C3 would verify this result as well.
B.7 Application of the Jm Lemma to a round wire with uniform Jz
We shall here verify the Jm Lemma for a round wire which we can regard as the central conductor of a
coaxial transmission line with distant shield return. We know from Comment 1 below (B.6.1) that the
potential of the shield is not going to interfere with the Jm Lemma and that a verification of the boundary
conditions (B.6.0) for the potential of this Lemma applies as well to the combined potential of both
conductors.
Assuming the transmission line limit of small βd, so e-jβdR ≈ 1, we start then with (B.6.1),
Az(x) = ∫C dV' [μ2 Jcz(x')

1
+ μ0 Jmz(x')] 4πR . R = |x - x'| (B.6.1)
but we go at once to the 2D solution [∇22DA(x) = - μ2Jc(x)] limit to get
290
-Az(x) = ∫C dS' [μ 2 Jcz(x') + μ0 Jmz(x')]

ln(R2)
4π .
1 ln(R2)
// 2π ln(1/R) = - 4π (B.7.1)
The two currents are given by
Jcz(x') = Jcz = I/(πa2) // uniform

μ2 μ1
Jmz(x') = Kz δ(r'-a) with Kz = - ( μ - μ ) Hθ . (B.1.10) (B.7.2)
0 0
(a) The Az(c) term
The first term in (B.7.1) is then
-Az (c) μ2I

(r,θ) = πa2 ∫ C
ln(R2)
dS' 4π
μ2I
= πa2
π ln(R2)
∫0 r' dr' ∫-π dθ' 4π
a
μ2I
∫0 r' dr' ∫ dθ' ln(r'2 +r2-2rr' cos(θ-θ') )
a π
= 4π2a2
-π
μ2I
∫0 r' dr' ∫ dx ln(r'2 +r2 - 2rr' cosx )
a π
= 2π2a2
0
μ2 I
∫0
a
= 2π2a2 r' dr' Q(r',r) (B.7.3)
where we have defined the integral
∫0
π
Q(r',r) ≡ dx ln [r'2 +r2-2rr' cosx] . (B.7.4)
The round wire geometry is shown in this drawing, where R2 shown above comes from the law of
cosines,
Fig B.7
291
The integral Q(r',r) may be evaluated using GR7 p 531 4.224,
with a = r'2 +r2 and b = -2rr' and a2-b2 = (r'2-r2)2 so that a2-b2 = | r'2-r2 | . The condition a > |b| > 0 is
met since (r±r')2 > 0 => r2+r'2 > ±2rr' which says a > ±b so a > |b|. Thus,
(r'2 + r2 )+ | r'2- r2 | ⎧ π ln [r'2] r' > r

Q(r',r) = ∫ dx ln [r' +r -2rr' cosx)] = π ln [
π 2 2
] = ⎨
0 2 ⎩ π ln [r2] r' < r
⎧ ln(r') r' > r
= 2π ⎨ ln(r) r' < r . (B.7.5)
⎩
We then have
μ2I μ2I ⎧ ln(r') r' > r

-Az(c)(r,θ) = 2π2a2 ∫ dr' r' Q(r',r) = πa2 ∫ dr'r' ⎨ ln(r) r' < r
a a
0 0 ⎩
μ2I
= πa2 ∫ dr' r' { lnr' θ(r'>r) + lnr θ(r'<r) }
a
0
μ2 I
= πa2 [ θ(r<a) ∫ dr' r' lnr' + lnr ∫
a min(a,r)
dr' r' ]
r 0
μ2I
= πa2 { θ(r<a) (1/2){a2lna - r2lnr - (a2-r2)/2} + (1/2)lnr [min(a,r)]2 } (B.7.6)
where Maple says
.
We then write out Az(c)(r) in its two regions
μ2I μ2I
Az(c)(r>a) = - πa2 { (1/2) a2lnr } = - 2π lnr (B.7.7)
μ2I μ2I
Az(c)(r<a) = - πa2 { (1/2){a2lna - r2lnr - (a2-r2)/2} + (1/2) r2 lnr} = 2πa2 { (a2-r2)/2 - a2lna }
292
(b) The Az(m) term
From (B.7.1) and (B.7.2),
-Az(m)(x) = μ0 ∫C dS' J mz(x')]

ln(R2)
4π
μ0 μ2 μ1
∫0 r' dr' ∫ dθ' [- ( μ - μ ) Hθ(r') ] δ(r'-a) ln(R2)
a π
= 4π
-π 0 0
a
= - 4π Hθ(a) (μ2- μ1) ∫ dθ' ln(a2 +r2-2ra cos(θ-θ'))
π
-π
a
= - 2π Hθ(a) (μ2- μ1) ∫ dx ln(a2 +r2-2ra cos(x))
π
0
a
= - 2π Hθ(a) (μ2- μ1) Q(a,r)
a ⎧ ln(a) a > r
= - 2π Hθ(a) (μ2- μ1) 2π ⎨ ln(r) a < r // using (B.7.5)
⎩
⎧ ln(a) a>r
= a Hθ(a) (μ1- μ2) ⎨ ln(r) a<r . (B.7.8)
⎩
From Ampere's law (1.1.37) we have (ignoring displacement current inside the conductor)
∫
{ H • ds = 2πaHθ(a) = ∫S J • dS = I =>
I
Hθ(a) = 2πa
and so
I ⎧ ln(a) a>r
-Az(m)(x) = 2π (μ1-μ2) ⎨ ln(r) a<r . (B.7.9)
⎩
Then
I
Az(m)(r>a) = 2π (μ2-μ1) lnr
I
Az(m)(r<a) = 2π (μ2-μ1) lna . (B.7.10)
(c) Adding the two terms and checking boundary conditions
Adding the results of (B.7.7) and (B.7.10) we obtain the total Az vector potential,
μ2I I μ1I
Az(r>a) = - 2π lnr + 2π (μ2- μ1) lnr = - 2π lnr
μ2I I
Az(r<a) = 2πa2 { (a2-r2)/2 - a2lna } + 2π (μ2-μ1) lna
293
μ2I I
= 2π { (a2-r2)/(2a2) - lna } + 2π (μ2-μ1) lna
I
= - 2π { μ2 (r2-a2)/(2a2) + μ1 lna }
Here then are the final results for the potential Az = Az(c) + Az(m),
I
Az(r>a) = - 2π μ1lnr
I r2-a2
Az(r<a) = - 2π { μ1 lna + μ2 2a2 } . (B.7.11)
As a check, we calculate the B and H fields implied by these potentials
r [ r-1∂θAz - ∂zAθ] + ^
B = curl A = ^ θ [∂zAr - ∂rAz] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rAθ) - r-1∂θAr ]
= ^
θ [- ∂rAz] => Bθ = -∂rAz(r)
Then
I
Bθ(r>a) = 2π μ1 (1/r)
I 2r I
Bθ(r<a) = 2π μ2 2a2 = 2π μ2 (r/a2) (B.7.12)
so the H fields are then
I
Hθ(r>a) = 2π (1/r)
I
Hθ(r<a) = 2π (r/a2) . (B.7.13)
This agrees with Ampere's Law applied in these two regions:
I
2πr Hθ(r>a) = I => Hθ(r>a) = 2π (1/r)
I
2πr Hθ(r<a) = I(πr2/πa2) => Hθ(r>a) = 2π (r/a2) . (B.7.14)
Next, we check the two boundary conditions required by (B.6.0) :
value at r = a:
r=a r=a I I a2-a2

Az(r>a)| – Az(r<a) | = - 2π μ1lna - (2π [ μ2 2a2 - μ1 lna ]) = 0 OK
294
slope at r = a: [∂rAz = -Bθ so use (B.7.12) ]
I
∂rAz(r>a) |r=a = - 2π μ1 (1/a)
I I
∂rAz(r<a) |r=a = - 2π μ2(a/a2) = - 2π μ2(1/a)
1 r=a 1 I I
μ1 ∂rAz(r>a) | – μ ∂rAz(r<a) |r=a = - 2π (1/a) - [- 2π (1/a)] = 0 OK
2
Thus we have shown for the round conductor with uniform Jz that "the Jm Lemma" works. By adding the
bogus surface current term, we generate the correct homogeneous solution which when added to the
Helmholtz integral provides the correct total solution which meets both boundary conditions.
(d) Plots of Az and Bθ and Hθ
Maple provides plots of Az from (B.7.11), Bθ from (B.7.12) and Hθ from (B.7.13) for this round wire
situation. Parameters are set to I = 1, a = 2, μ1 = 2 (dielectric), μ2 = 3 (wire).
295
Fig B.8
Az wanders down as ~ -ln(r) for large r; Bθ jumps down at r = a while Hθ is continuous there.
296
Appendix C: DC Properties of a Wire
C.1 The DC resistance of a wire
The resistance per unit length R of a differential piece of wire of length dz and area dA is derived as
follows (σ = conductivity),
dV = E dz, J = σ E, I = J dA ⇒
Rdz = dV/I = Edz/JdA = (1/σ) dz/dA ⇒ R = (1/σ) /dA .
If current density J is constant across the wire cross section (which is the case at DC), we repeat the above
with dA → A where A is the total wire cross sectional area to find this resistance per unit length for the
wire,
R = 1/(σA) = ρ/A . // ρ = 1/σ = resistivity (C.1.1)
For a round wire of radius a, A = πa2, so R = 1/(σπa2) ≡ Rdc. Current density J is uniform at DC because
there are no eddy currents to make it non-uniform as described in Appendix P. We of course assume that
the wire is made of an isotropic and homogeneous substance where σ is the same in all directions at at all
points inside the wire.
C.2 The DC surface impedance of a wire
Imagine a fat wire carrying current I,
If, at the surface of the wire, one puts voltmeter probes at longitudinal spacing dz, one measures some
potential difference which is dV = Ezdz. When probed at the surface, the wire appears to have this
impedance,
(Zsdz) = dV/I .
The quantity Zs is the surface impedance per unit length and is thus given by
Zs = E z / I (C.2.1)
where Ez is the component of electric field at the surface in the direction of the wire. For a wire operating
at DC, the current density is uniform across the wire so Jz = I/A and Ez = Jz/σ = I/(Aσ). Thus,
Zs = 1/(Aσ) = ρ/A // = R of (C.1.1) (C.2.2)
297
where A is the cross sectional area. For a round wire of radius a, A = πa2, so
Zs = ρ/(πa2) . (C.2.3)
If the wire is a perfect conductor, ρ = 0 and Zs = 0. For DC, we have Zs = R, but for AC this is no longer
true due to the skin and proximity effects which make Jz non-uniform over the conductor cross section.
Again, see Appendix P for a general discussion of both these effects, and Chapter 2 for skin effect.
C.3 The DC internal and external inductance of a round wire
We assume here that μi is the internal permeability of the wire, and μe of the region external to the wire.
The energy density (joules/m3) stored in an electromagnetic field within a medium of negligible loss is
given by uem = (E•D + B•H)/2 [ Jackson p 259 Eq. (6.106) ] . We are interested only in the portion of
this energy density stored in the magnetic field, so u = (1/2) B•H. Since μ and ε are assumed to be scalars,
u = (1/2) μ H2. // (1.1.5) B = μH (C.3.1)
For any inductor of inductance L carrying current I and having potential difference V, we know that
V = L dI/dt (C.3.2)
P = IV = I (L dI/dt) = d/dt [ (1/2)L I2 ]. (C.3.3)
Since the power fed into an ideal inductor goes into the magnetic field energy, P = dU/dt and so
U = (1/2)L I2 . (C.3.4)
For a straight wire, we now redefine symbol L to mean inductance per unit length, so then
U = (1/2)[Ldz] I2 . (C.3.5)
For either the internal or external region we have U = ∫dV u = dz ∫dS u where dV is a volume
element and dS is a cross sectional area element. Thus from (C.3.1) and (C.3.5),
U = dz∫dS (1/2) μ H2 = (1/2)[Ldz] I2 => L = μ ∫dS (H/I)2 . (C.3.6)
In particular [ elsewhere we have used μi = μ and μe = μd ]
Li = μi ∫in dS (Hi/I)2 (C.3.7)
Le = μe ∫outdS (He/I)2 . (C.3.8)
298
For the round wire at DC it is a simple matter to compute Hi and He using Ampere's Law (1.1.37),
∫
{ H • ds = ∫S J • dS
1
2πr Hi = I(πr2/πa2) => Hi/I = 2π (r/a2)
1
2πr He = I => He/I = 2π (1/r) . (C.3.9)
We then compute the two inductances as follows:
μi μi
Li = μi ∫dS (Hi/I)2 = μi
1
∫0 rdr ∫ dθ [2π (r/a2)]2 = 2πa4 ∫0
a π a 3
r dr = 8π
-π
μe
Le = μi ∫dS (He/I)2 = μe
1
∫a rdr ∫ dθ [2π (1/r)]2 = 2π ∫a
∞ π ∞
(1/r) dr = ∞ .
-π
Both results are interesting. Li is interesting because it is independent of the wire radius a. For the same
current, a smaller a results in a larger H and B field, which is then offset by the smaller volume (area).
Le is interesting because it is infinite! Even a tiny 1 cm piece of our infinitely long round wire stores an
infinite amount of energy in its magnetic field. We therefore limit the external region by some large
radius R and then we have
μi μi μ0 μi 4π x 10-7 μi
Li = 8π = μ 8π = μ 8π = μ * 50 nH/m (C.3.10)
0 0 0
μe
Le = 2π ln(R/a) . (C.3.11)
Thus for a non-magnetic round wire in air the internal inductance is exactly 50 nH/m.
A "practical wire" is more like a loop of wire than an infinitely long wire. It is difficult to conjure up an
experiment to test (C.3.11) even for a very long straight piece of wire without having some return path for
the current to return to the driving "battery". For wire and dielectric both having μ0, Jackson shows
(p 216-218) that the inductance per unit length of a loop of projected area A of radius-a wire is given by
Le + Li = (μ0/4π) [ ln(ξA/a2) + 1/2], where ξ is a near-unity factor which accounts for messy details of
the calculation. The 1/2 term accounts for the internal inductance Li = μ0/8π as in (C.3.10).
For a circular loop of radius R, one has A = πR2 and, if R >> a, ξ = 64/(πe4) ≈ .373. So,
ln(ξA/a2) = ln(64 πR2/πe4a2) = 2 ln(8R/ae2) = 2 ln(8R/a) + 2 ln(e-2) = 2 ln(8R/a) - 4
and then the total inductance per unit length is
Le + Li = (μ0/4π) [2 ln(8R/a) - 4 + 1/2] = (μ0/2π) [ ln(8R/a) - 2 + 1/4] = (μ0/2π) [ ln(8R/a) -7/4] .
299
The total inductance of such a loop is then
L = 2πR(μ0/2π) [ ln(8R/a) -7/4] = μ0R [ ln(8R/a) -7/4] (C.3.12)
in agreement with Jackson Problem 5.32 p 234. If one omits the internal inductance, the last factor is -2
instead of -7/4, and this result is seen in some sources. The point is that this is a finite result, even though
the (dipole) magnetic field of such a loop extends to infinity. A loop of N turns gets an extra factor N2
because in effect current I → NI in (C.3.5), so the total field energy increases by factor N2.
Suppose there were two parallel wires with currents flowing in opposite directions. In this case, we could
compute the magnetic field H at any point in space as the vector sum of the fields of the two wires, then
we could integrate H2 over all space to get the total energy U and from that the external inductance Le. In
this case, the ln(R) divergence does not appear. In effect, the divergence cancels between the two wires,
similar to the way opposite short segments of the circular wire cancel to give the finite result quoted
above.
We really only care about the internal inductance Li of a wire in our transmission line analysis because
the external inductance Le is already accounted for by the techniques of Chapter 4. That is, Le is
computed by considering the magnetic potential Az ( or W ) between the wires, see (4.10.8).
300
C.4 The DC internal inductance of a wire of rectangular cross section
The inductance expressions above apply to any cross sectional shape,
Li = μi ∫in dS (Hi/I)2 (C.3.7)
Le = μe ∫outdS (He/I)2 (C.3.8)
so the only problem is how to compute H for a non-round wire. That problem is solved in Appendix B
where it is shown that
H(x,y) = - 4π ∫d2x' ln(R2) curl' J(x',y'))

1
R = |x-x'| . (B.2.12 ) (C.4.1)
Consider a wire of rectangular cross section 2a x 2b (uniform Jz) as an example.
Fig C.1
The uniform current density is given by
Jz(x) = (I/4ab)θ(-a ≤ x ≤ a) θ(-b ≤ y ≤ b)
= (I/4ab) θ(x ≤ a)θ(x≥-a) θ(y ≤b)θ(y≥-b) // θ(s≥r) means θ(s-r) Heaviside
= (I/4ab) θ(a- x)θ(x + a) θ(b- y)θ(y +b) . (C.4.2)
Calculate curl J to be used in (C.4.1) :
curl J = ^
x (∂yJz - ∂zJy) + ^
y (∂zJx - ∂xJz) + ^
z (∂xJy - ∂yJx)
= ^
x (∂yJz) + ^
y (- ∂xJz) (C.4.3)
∂xJz = (I/4ab) ∂x[θ(a- x)θ(x + a)] θ(b- y)θ(y +b)

= (I/4ab) [θ(a-x)δ(x+a) - δ(x-a) θ(x+a)] θ(b- y)θ(y +b) // ∂xθ(a-x) = - δ(x-a)
∂yJz = (I/4ab) θ(a- x)θ(x + a) ∂y[θ(b- y)θ(y +b)]

= (I/4ab) θ(a- x)θ(x + a) [θ(b- y)δ(y+b) - δ(y-b) θ(y +b)]
301
so then
[curl J]x = (I/4ab) θ(a- x)θ(x + a) [θ(b- y)δ(y+b) - δ(y-b) θ(y +b)]
[curl J]y = - (I/4ab) [θ(a-x)δ(x+a) - δ(x-a) θ(x+a)] θ(b- y)θ(y +b) . (C.4.4)
Notice that we can obtain [curl J]y from [curl J]x by doing a↔b, x↔y and adding a minus sign.
Finally calculate Hx from (C.4.1).
Hx(x,y) = - 4π ∫d2x' ln(R2) [curl' J(x')]x

1
R = |x-x'|
I
= - 16πab ∫ dx' ∫ dy' ln [ (x-x')2 + (y-y')2] [θ(b - y')δ(y'+b) - θ(y'+b)δ(y'- b) ] }
a ∞
-a -∞
I
∫-a dx' ∫-∞ dy'
a b
= - 16πab ln [ (x-x')2 + (y-y')2] δ(y' +b)
I
∫-a dx' ∫-b dy'
a ∞
+ 16πab ln [ (x-x')2 + (y-y')2] δ(y'- b)
I 1
∫-a dx' ln [ (x'-x)2 + (y+b)2] ∫-a dx' ln [ (x'-x)2 + (y-b)2] }
a a
= - 16πab + 16πab
I
∫-a dx' ln [ (x'-x)2 + (y+b)2]
a
≡ 16πab ( -I1+I2) I1(b) =
∫-a dx' ln [ (x'-x)2 + (y-b)2]

a
I2(b) ≡ = I1(-b) . (C.4.5)
I
≡ 16πab F(x,y,a,b) F = -I1+ I2 .
As an aid to Maple's grouping of elements, let x" = x'-x, then take x"→ x' to get
∫-a-x dx' ln [ x'2 + c2]

a-x
I1(b) = where c = y+b .
Maple then evaluates I1 and I2 as follows (hoop jumping to get results in desired order),
302
In Maple, unapply(f,x) causes expression f to be a function of x which can then be called as f(x). Collect
just orders terms in a certain way, while subs forces Maple to be a little smarter about expressions. The
next step is to create function F(x,y,a,b) which is just -I1+ I2 as shown above
Reading from the above and putting x,y last in each parentheses, the four arctangents can be written
a+x a-x a+x a-x

(1/2) F(x,y,a,b)atan = -(b-y) [- tan-1 b-y ] +(b-y)tan-1b-y - (b+y)tan-1(b+y ) +(y+b)[-tan-1(b+y )]
a+x a-x a+x a-x
= (b-y) [ tan-1 b-y + tan-1b-y ] - (b+y) [ tan-1(b+y ) + tan-1(b+y ) ] .
Next, the four log terms can be combined to give
(a-x)2 +(b-y)2 (a+x)2 +(b-y)2

(1/2) F(x,y,a,b)ln = (1/2) (a-x) ln [ (a-x)2 +(b+y)2 ] + (1/2) (a+x) ln [ (a+x)2 +(b+y)2 ] .
Combining and reordering these terms, we get
303
(a+x)2 +(b-y)2 (a-x)2 +(b-y)2

(1/2) F(x,y,a,b) = (1/2) (a+x) ln [ (a+x)2 +(b+y)2 ] + (1/2) (a-x) ln [ (a-x)2 +(b+y)2 ]
a-x a+x a-x a+x
+ (b-y) [ tan-1b-y + tan-1 b-y ] - (b+y) [ tan-1(b+y ) + tan-1(b+y ) ] . (C.4.6)
This expression agrees with Holloway and Kuester's W1 if one replaces a = w/2 and b = t/2. With such
replacements, we would have
I I I I
Hx(x,y) = 16πab F(x,y,a,b) = 4πwt F(x,y, w/2, t/2) = 2πwt [ (1/2) F(x,y, w/2, t/2) ] ≡ 2πwt W1
(C.4.7a)
so our Hx then agrees with their equations (9) and (11).
Now based on the comment below (C.4.4) above, we may conclude for Hy that
Hy(x,y) = - 4π ∫d2x' ln(R2) [curl' J(x')]y

1
= Hx(x,y) if we swap a↔b, x↔y and add a minus
1
= - 16πab F(y,x,b,a) . (C.4.7b)
Just for the record,
We can now make a "field plot" showing the H field (direction and magnitude) in the cross section plane
of our rectangular conductor, where we stick with the 4:1 ratio of edges as in Fig C.1 above,
304
Fig C.2
In this plot the H field appears to be maximal at the conductor boundary (shown in red) and as one moves
away it becomes the field of a thin round wire. Current Jz is flowing in the z direction toward the viewer.
305
The second plot is of |H|2 as a surface over the x,y plane. Recall that |H|2 is proportional to the energy
density in the magnetic field which in turn contributes to inductance.
view from above view from below Fig C.3
The |H|2 surface is very steep at the conductor boundaries, somewhat resembling a rectangular volcano
which dips all the way down to 0 in the center, as shown from below on the right. The Li integration
discussed below is over this central "cone" of the volcano.
The red plot below is a slice through the volcano at x = 0 :
Fig C.4
The black plot is of | H | (but scaled down) and resembles the Hθ plot for the round wire shown in Fig
B.8.
306
We return now to a computation of the internal inductance Li of the rectangular wire. From (C.3.7),
Li = μi ∫idS (H/I)2 = μi (16πab )2 ∫ dx ∫ dy [F(x,y,a,b)2 + F(y,x,b,a)2] .

1 a b
(C.4.8)
-a -b
Since F(x,y,αa,αb) = αF(x/α,y/α,a,b) one can show that Li must have this functional form
Li = (μi/8π) f(b/a) (C.4.9)
though this conclusion is obvious based on dimensions alone. The factor (μi/8π) is Li for a round wire of
any radius, as shown in (C.3.10). The problem is to find function f . We set a = 1 with no loss of
generality and use the obvious four-fold symmetry of the energy density so that
1
∫0 dx ∫ dy [F(x,y,1,b)2 + F(y,x,b,1)2]
1 b
Li = 4 μi (16πb )2
0
μi 1
∫0 dx ∫ dy [F(x,y,1,b)2 + F(y,x,b,1)2] } .
1 b
= ( 8π ) { 8π2b2 (C.4.10)
0
Thus our function of interest is
1
∫0 dx ∫ dy [F(x,y,1,b)2 + F(y,x,b,1)2]
1 b
f(b) = 8π2b2 (C.4.11)
0
where the integrand is ( look carefully to see top level brackets),
If one were to expand this expression, there would be 162 + 162 = 256 + 256 = 512 terms if no terms
combined. In fact there are 232 distinct terms:
307
Here are four sample terms in the integrand of (C.4.11),
It seems rather unlikely that all 232 terms can be double-integrated analytically! For example, if we ask
Maple to analytically integrate the last term shown above just over the x range, it gives up,
Thus, in order to compute f(b) we must turn to numerical integration which, for each value of b, requires
doing 232 numerical double integrals and adding up the results. As is visible in Fig C.3 and Fig C.4, the
overall integrand is singular at the conductor edge, so we might expect some difficulties with the numeric
integrations near the upper endpoints.
We were not successful trying for a hour to get Maple to compute the integral (C.4.11) analytically or
numerically, but certainly the numerical integration can be done. Holloway and Kuester quote the
following numerical approximate formulas for two special cases,
Li = (μi/8π) [0.96639] a = b (square wire) // very close to the round conductor
Li = (μi/8π) [(4π/3) b/a ] b/a << 1 (flat wire) // Li = (1/6) μi (b/a) (C.4.12)
We discuss the second case in Section C.5
Reader Exercise: Do the numerical integration outlined above to determine function f(b) for several b
values and plot for b = 1 to 10. Is f(1) = 0.96639 ? Holloway and Kuester have a plot in their Fig 2
which looks like this for Li [Li for a circular wire is 50 nH as shown in (C.3.10)],
308
Fig C.5
Comment: Appendix B.3 provides three 2D methods of computing H from J. We chose to use the
formula (B.2.12). Holloway and Kuester use the method of first computing A then B = curl A. A third
method is to use the 2D Biot-Savart Law (B.2.24). That third method begins this way :
H(x,y) = ∫d2x' 1
2πR2 J(x') x R R ≡ x - x' (B.2.24)
and
Jz(x) = (I/4ab)θ(-a ≤ x ≤ a) θ(-b ≤ y ≤ b)
so
1
∫-a dx' ∫-b dy'
a b
H(x,y) = 2πR2 (I/4ab) ^
z xR .
But
^ + (y-y')y
R = (x-x')x ^ => ^
z x R = (x-x') ^
y - (y-y') ^
x .
Thus,
1
∫-a dx' ∫-b dy'
a b
Hx(x,y) = 2πR2 (I/4ab) [- (y-y')]
1
Hy(x,y) = ∫ dx' ∫ dy' 2πR2 (I/4ab) [+ (x-x')]
a b
-a -b
or
∫-a dx' ∫-b dy'
a b
Hx(x,y) = (I/8πab) (y'-y)/R2
∫-a dx' ∫-b dy'

a b
Hy(x,y) = - (I/8πab) (x'-x)/R2 . (C.4.13)
These last integrals are the same as (7) and (8) of Holloway and Kuester with 2a = w and 2b = t.
309
C.5 The DC internal inductance of a thin flat wire
This is a fascinating problem with a result that is non-obvious.
Consider an infinitely long conductor whose cross section has the shape of a thin strip of width w and
height t with t << w,
Fig C.6
The correct result for Li was given earlier in (C.4.12) and we repeat it here, setting w = 2a and t = 2b,
Li = (μi/8π) [(4π/3) t/w ] = (1/6) μi (t/w) t << w . (C.4.12)
We shall now attempt to obtain this result in a simple manner, intentionally misleading the reader a bit.
The uniform current density is Jz = I/(wt), flowing toward the viewer. Here is a blowup of a piece of the
strip near its center,
Fig C.7
The red math loop is positioned as shown for an application of Ampere's Law,
∫S J • dS = ∫
{ C H • ds . (1.1.37)
Starting at the lower left corner of the red loop for ∫

{ C, this says
Jz 2y s = s Hx(-y) + 0 2y - Hx(y)s - 0 2y . (C.5.1)
We assume that "near the center of the strip" there is no significant transverse field component Hy, though
we accept that such transverse fields do exist far away "near the edges" of the strip as in Fig C.2,
310
Fig C.8
Thus, the two vertical sections of the red loop make negligible contribution to the line integral in the main
central region. Symmetry indicates that Hx on the upper red loop segment is equal and opposite to that on
the lower segment, so the line integral is then -2Hx(y) s and we continue :
Jz 2y s = - 2 Hx(y)s
Jz y = - Hx(y)s
I/(wt)*y = - Hx(y)s
Hx(y)/I = - y/(wt) . (C.5.2)
The result is that Hx(y) = -(I/wt)y which is a very reasonable linear function of y, with Hx(y=0) = 0. The
fact that Hx(y) does not depend on x is also reasonable since, when w >> t, the central region of the strip
is basically all of the strip excluding the tiny end regions which we ignore. A similar argument is made
for the analysis of a parallel plate capacitor, where the end effects are ignored if w >> t.
To get the internal inductance due to this Hx energy storage, we compute its contribution from the
dotted rectangle in Fig C.6, then multiply by (w/s) to get Li for the entire strip. So, using (C.3.7),
Li = (w/s) μ ∫dotted dS (H/I)2 = (w/s) μ∫dotted (sdy) [-y/(wt)]2
∫-t/2 dy ∫0
t/2 t/2
= (w/s) μ s (wt)-2 y2 = (w/s) μ s (wt)-2 2 dy y2
= (w/s) μ s (wd)-2 2 (1/3) (t/2)3 = w-1 μ t-2 (2/3) t3/8
= (1/12) μ (t/w) = (μi/8π) [ 2π/3 (t/w) ] // strip w>>t , due to Hx (C.5.3)
But this is only half the correct result for Li which was just quoted above. By luck, (C.5.3) happens to be
the correct result for the Hx contribution to Li; by luck because it is derived from Fig C.7 with the
assumption that Hy ≡ 0 which is not true. The other half of Li in fact comes from the Hy field in the strip.
311
One can write
∫-t/2 ∫-w/2
t/2 w/2
Li = μ dy dx [ (Hx/I)2 + (Hy/I)2 ] = Lix + Liy (C.5.4)
so the Hx and Hy contributions are simply additive with no interference.
So where did the argument above go wrong? It all seemed so reasonable. One is of course biased by the
appearance of the fields in Fig C.8 shown just above. One's impression is that as the aspect ratio is
increased from 4:1 to perhaps 100:1, the nature of the above plot should become even more convincing:
large horizontal arrows to the left along the top of the strip, large horizontal arrows to the right along the
bottom of the strip, and some minor edge effects at the distant ends.
But this is in fact not a correct impression! For a 10:1 aspect ratio strip, here is the field map (Hx,Hy) for
the upper right quadrant of the strip
Fig C.9
If we plot only the Hx component by setting Hy = 0 in our field plot, we get
Fig C.10
and this displays our conjectured functional shape Hx(y) = -(I/wt)y applying not just at the center of the
strip, but all along the strip. This then explains graphically why our calculation above came up with the
correct result for the Hx contribution to Li. The other half of Li comes from the transverse field
component Hy which has this appearance (we now set Hx = 0 in the field plot)
Fig C.11
The fact that the Hy contribution to Li is exactly equal to the Hx contribution is just not obvious. One
would think some simple argument could be concocted to explain this fact (perhaps an "equipartition
theorem"). For example, one might conjecture looking at the above plot that Hy ≈ Hy(x) so that Ampere's
law for the Fig C.7 red loop says, using s = dx,
312
Jz 2y dx = dx Hx(-y) + Hy(x+dx) 2y - Hx(y)dx - Hy(x)2y .
Jz 2y = -2 Hx(y) + [Hy(x+dx) - Hy(x)]/dx * 2y .
Jz y = - Hx(y) + y ∂xHy(x) . (C.5.5)
We might then try Hx(y) = -A(I/wt)y based on Fig C.10 with A some constant. Then (C.5.5) says
(I/wt) (1-A) = ∂xHy(x) => Hy(x) = [(I/ωt) (1-A)] x ≡ Bx (C.5.6)
which seems reasonable in terms Figure C.11. But Hy(x) = Bx is problematical in two respects: (1) there
is no obvious way to determine B without taking a limit of the complicated full Hy formula ; (2) Even
when that is done, Hy(x) is in fact not linear in x as a simple plot shows, so the model is inaccurate and
does not give the result that Li due to Hy is (1/12) μ (t/w).
The field plots shown above and the |H|2 energy plots of Fig C.3 are easy to produce from Maple. These
latter plots are like topographical maps and they can be displayed in that manner as shown on the right
below,
Fig C.12
where we have reverted to the 4:1 aspect ratio strip.
One should not confuse the |H|2 topo contour lines shown here with a plot of the H field lines. Making a
field line plot is not a built-in function for our vintage Maple V and requires some minor coding to
implement. Here is such a field line plot for a 20:1 aspect ratio thin strip (method given in Appendix O),
313
Fig C.13
Each contour starts at x = 0 and y = some value and is iterated CCW (chasing the direction of the H
vector) until it arrives back where it started. The little jogs at the top represent the small error of this
numerical process. Looking at this field line plot, it is totally obvious that there does not exist some
"broad central region" in the strip where the field lines are mostly horizontal. The transverse field
components (vertical) appear as soon as one leaves the exact center of the strip and it is totally wrong to
ignore such transverse Hy components in the computation of Li.
The correct calculation of Li is done in the 2009 paper of Holloway and Kuester. They point out
errors made by earlier authors and make the point that half the internal inductance comes from each field
component. They do not claim that the transverse contribution is exactly half the result, but that it is half
to a high degree of precision. In an email communication, Prof. Kuester made the appropriate point that,
since div H = 0 (there is no magnetic charge), the H field lines must close on themselves and that is what
forces the above figure to have the shape it has, where there is no "broad central region" having
essentially horizontal field lines. In the corresponding parallel plate capacitor picture for electrostatics,
since electric charge does exist, the E fields lines do not need to close on themselves, and have sources
and sinks all along the capacitor cross section, allowing for a uniform broad central region.
Here is one more field line plot showing a larger range of field lines,
Fig C.14
314
As the field lines are continued outward, they eventually become circles as the strip eventually becomes a
line source (a point source in cross section) when viewed from far away.
Reader Exercise: Come up with a simple explanation for why the Hx and Hy fields each contribute half
the total Li value for the thin strip. Is this perhaps true for any edge ratio of the rectangular cross section?
That certainly seems unlikely.
C.6 The DC internal inductance of a hollow round wire
The pipe geometry is as follows, where we assume Jz is uniform and total current is I :
Fig C.15
As with the round wire case, we can avoid using (C.4.1) (or alternates) to compute H due to symmetry.
The total current enclosed within the red circle is this,
area inner annulus a to r r2- a2

Ienc(r) = area full annulus a to b = b2-a2 I valid for a ≤ r ≤ b . (C.6.1)
For r < a, Ienc(r) = 0, and for r > b, Ienc(r) = I. Ampere's Law says
2πr Hθ(r) = Ienc(r) . (C.6.2)
Note that Hθ(r) = 0 inside the tube, so this region makes no contribution to Le or Li. Inside the annulus,
2 2
1 1 r -a
Hθ(r) = Ienc(r)/ (2πr) = 2π r b2-a2 I . a≤r≤b (C.6.3)
Recalling that
Li = μi ∫in dS (H/I)2 (C.3.7)
315
we conclude that
1 1
Li = μi (2π)2 (b2-a2)2 ∫in 1
dS r2 (r2 - a2)2
and then using dS = 2πrdr we find
1 1 1
Li = μi 2π (b2-a2)2 ∫ dr r (r2 - a2)2
b
a
1 1
= μi 2π (b2-a2)2 J . (C.6.4)
Maple computes the integral J as follows
which we restate as
J = (1/4)b4 + (3/4)a4 - a2b2 + a4 ln(b/a) (C.6.5)
and then the final result for the internal inductance of a hollow pipe with b > a is
1 1
Li = μi 2π (b2-a2)2 [(1/4)b4 + (3/4)a4 - a2b2 + a4 ln(b/a)] . (C.6.6)
(a) limit as a→ 0: should be round wire of radius b
Reading off this limit from (C.6.6),
1 1
Li = μi 2π (b2-a2)2 [(1/4)b4 + (3/4)a4 - a2b2 + a4 ln(b/a)]
1 1
= μi 2π b4 [(1/4)b4 + 0 - 0 + 0 ln(b/a)]
1
= μi 8π (C.6.7)
316
and we recover the Li of a round wire as found in (C.3.10).
(b) External Verification of (C.6.6)
The result appears in a very fat (2,263 pages) 1922 handbook edited by Pender and Del Mar, from which
we quote via Google books, page 827 (thank you anonymous scanner person ),
In their version which uses cgs units, the round wire has Li = (μ/2) per unit length according to their
(13a), so one must add (1/4π) to their (14) result to compare with (C.6.6). Using r2 = b and r1 = a the
results then agree after some algebra.
317
(c) limit as b-a → 0: thin shell radius a and thickness d
In this limit, the hollow pipe is a thin cylindrical shell of inner radius a and thickness d. Continuing the
Maple code, we first replace parameter b by a+d,
Maple then expands this Li function about d = 0,
Of course our only interest is in the first term, so in this limit we have found that
1 μi
Li = μi 6π (d/a) = 8π [ (4/3)(d/a) ] thin shell, valid for d << a (C.6.8)
where again (μi/8π) is Li for a round conductor of any radius.
318
(d) Maple Plot
Write (C.6.6) as
μi 1
Li = 8π { (b2-a2)2 [b4 + 3a4 - 4a2b2 + 4a4 ln(b/a)] } (C.6.6)
μi 1
= 8π { (1-x2)2 [ 1 + 3x4 - 4x2 - 4x4 ln(x) ] x ≡ a/b
μi
= 8π f(x) .
Maple then plots f(x) :
Fig C.16
As the pipe is hollowed out from a round wire to a foil shell, f(x) drops from 1 to 0 as shown.
319
Appendix D: Fields inside a Round Wire
Appendix D: The General E and B Fields Inside an Infinite Straight Round Wire
This Appendix presents a rather lengthy calculation of the fields and currents inside a round wire without
the Chapter 2 assumption that such fields and currents are symmetrical about the axis. This wire is
regarded as one conductor of an infinite transmission line down which a wave is propagating.
Since this Appendix is quite long, a brief summary is in order (see also Table of Contents) :
Section D.1
(a) A longitudinal traveling wave form E(r,θ,z,t) = ej(ωt-kz) E(r,θ) is assumed inside the round wire
and E(r,θ,z,t) is then shown to satisfy a certain vector Helmholtz equation.
(b) The field E(r,θ) and the surface charge n(θ) are both expanded onto "azimuthal partial waves"
jmθ
e with coefficients E(r,m) and Nm.
(c) The Helmholtz equation's vector Laplacian @ ≡ ∇2 is stated in cylindrical coordinates.
(d) The three Helmholtz component equations and div E = 0 are written out in these coordinates.
Section D.2
(a),(b),(c): The z and r Helmholtz equations and the div E = 0 equation are solved for Ez, then Er,
and then Eθ. These solutions are expressed in terms of Bessel J functions of a complex argument and two
unknown constants am and Km for each partial wave.
(d) a boundary condition relating Er to surface charge density n(θ) is derived (see D.9 below)
(e) this and another boundary condition Eθ(a,m) = 0 (see D.8 below) are used to evaluate am and Km
and then the solution E field components are stated in box (D.2.33).
Section D.3
It is noted that the boxed E field solutions also satisfy the ignored third θ Helmholtz equation.
Section D.4
The B fields are computed from the E fields using Maxwell -jωB = curl E, and then box (D.4.13)
summarizes both the E and B partial wave fields inside a round wire.
Section D.5 These E and B fields are shown to exactly solve the other three Maxwell equations.
Section D.6 The m = 0 partial wave results are stated and compared to the results of Chapter 2.
Section D.7 The problem of finding an exterior field solution for the round wire is discussed.
Section D.8 Arguments supporting the second boundary condition Eθ(a,m) = 0 are presented.
Section D.9 The "charge pumping boundary condition" is discussed in relation to surface currents.
Section D.10 High frequency limits of the round wire E fields are presented.
Section D.11 Low frequency limits of the round wire E fields are presented, along with comments on
accuracy, the meaning of symbol k, and the e-jkz ansatz made in Section D.1.
320
D.1 Partial Wave Expansion
Warning: In this appendix, we use the same function name E to represent three different functions,
E(r,θ,z,t) E(r,θ) E(r,m)
The functions are distinguished by the arguments shown, and if they are not shown, the general context of
the discussion will indicate which function is implied. The symbol E is thus "overloaded".
(a) The General Method
The starting point for the calculation is the damped wave equation (1.3.36, region 2) for the E field inside
the wire. Unsubscripted parameters refer to properties of the wire.
(∇2 - με ∂t2 - μσ∂t)E(r,θ,z,t) = 0 . (1.3.36)
Cylindrical coordinates (r,θ,z) are used, as appropriate for an infinite straight round wire. Recall that the
damping term arises when the driving current J on the right of (1.2.1) is replaced by Ohm's Law J = σE.
We now make the ansatz that a solution to the above wave equation may be expressed in the
following form where the t and z dependence is exposed and where E(r,θ) is a complex function to be
determined:
The idea here is that we take our round wire to be one of two conductors of a transmission line (the other
wire may or may not have a round cross section). The form shown in (D.1.1) says that the E field inside
our round wire is assumed (an Ansatz!) to be a simple "traveling wave" moving down this transmission
line in the +z direction. As this interior wave moves down the line, we expect to have an exterior wave
whose E field takes the same general form shown in (D.1.1). If we match the E and B field boundary
conditions of the interior and exterior waves, we expect k to have the same value on both sides of the
round wire boundary.
About k
For a lossless wave, we expect the conductors to simply deform the exterior fields (for example,
causing the E field to be perpendicular to the conductor surfaces), but we expect the exterior wave to
travel at the speed of light vd in the dielectric, with no "drag" from the conductors. In this lossless case,
we then expect to have k = ω μdεd = ω/vd ≡ βd0 in (1.5.1b). If the dielectric conducts but the
conductors are perfect, we have instead k = ω μdξd ≡ βd in (1.5.1a), and then k has a negative
imaginary part which causes decay along the line, but k is still a characteristic of the dielectric medium.
However, if the conductors are not perfect, then they too contribute to the decay, and in this case we
expect that our parameter k will no longer be a characteristic just of the dielectric. For example, we expect
it will depend on R, the resistance per unit length of the conductors.
321
We shall continue to use the generic parameter k throughout this appendix, to make sure our theory
can handle situations with loss. One should think of k as a general complex parameter which (hopefully)
has a negative imaginary part and whose real part is the wave phase velocity. Only in the special case of a
completely lossless line do we have k = ω/vd = βd0.
In the strong and extreme skin effect regimes, Chapter 4 develops a formula for the parameter k based
on Maxwell's equations. This formula states that k = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) . This same formula arises in
the network model of Appendix K, but in that model the formula applies all the way down to ω = 0.
Probably this extrapolation of the Maxwell-derived k expression down to low frequencies is reasonable
though not exact. Having remarked on these two models for k, we shall ignore them until we reach
Appendix D.11, so we continue to work with our generic parameter k.
When (D.1.1) is put into the above wave equation (1.3.36), time derivatives can be replaced ∂t→ jω with
the result
(∇2 + β2) E(r,θ,z,t) = 0 (D.1.2a)

or
[∇2D2 + (β2-k2) ] E(r,θ) = 0 ∇2 = ∇2D2 + ∂z2 (D.1.2b)
where
β2 = μεω2 - jωμσ = ω2μ (ε - jσ/ω) = ω2μ ξ ξ ≡ ε - jσ/ω . (1.5.1c)
We could have defined the temporal Fourier Transform of E(r,θ,z,t),
E^(r,θ,z,ω') ≡ FT{ E(r,θ,z,t), ω'} = e-jkz E(r,θ) 2πδ(ω-ω') = e-jωt E(r,θ,z,t) 2πδ(ω-ω')
as in (1.6.11) and then (D.1.2a) would be valid as well for E^(r,θ,z,ω) which would be a more
conventional Helmholtz equation, but since E(r,θ,z,t) is monochromatic, we leave (D.1.2a) as is.
One can regard (D.1.1) as an assumed variable-separated form for a solution, an "ansatz". If a
consistent solution to the Maxwell equations can be found with this assumption, it is justified de facto.
Sign Convention Comment: Section 1.6 discusses the Fourier Transform (1.6.8) where e+jωt appears in
the expansion formula. For E^(x,ω) = 2πδ(ω-ω1) one gets E(x,t) = e+jω1t and then the form of a wave
solution is e+j(ωt-kz) with the + sign associated with ωt. In general, EE people like to assume time
dependence of the form e+jωt (and they prefer j in place of i for -1 ). The Fourier Transform is of course
valid with the other sign choice for the two exponentials, and for that other sign choice one would have
E^(x,ω) = 2πδ(ω-ω1) => E(x,t) = e-jω1t and one would think of a wave as e-j(ωt-kz) = e+j(kz-ωt).
This sign convention is common in many physics texts [e.g. Jackson (7.8)], but in this document we use
the e+j(ωt-kz) convention usually used in EE texts [e.g. Haus-Melcher 13.1 (7)]. Jackson suggests a
physics/EE conversion algorithm of i ↔ -j. It is all just a convention choice and, as in (1.6.6), only the
sign of the imaginary physical field under consideration is affected. If one thinks of the physical field
under consideration as Re{E(x,t)}, the sign convention choice makes no difference at all.
322
(b) Partial Wave Expansions
The next step is to do a "partial wave expansion" (that is, a complex Fourier series expansion) of E(r,θ) in
terms of "azimuthal harmonics" eimθ, so that the variable θ is replaced with the partial wave index m:
∞
E(r,θ) = ∑ E(r,m) ejmθ // expansion (D.1.3a)
m = -∞
∫-π dθ E(r,θ) e-jmθ
π
E(r,m) = (1/2π) . // projection (D.1.3b)
Note that dim[E(r,m)] = dim[E(r,θ)] = volts/m. In analogy with (D.1.1) we define a surface charge
density n(θ,z,t) which has the following ansatz variable-separated form,
n(θ,z,t) = ej(ωt-kz) n(θ) . (D.1.4)
We then expand n(θ) as in (D.1.3),

∞
n(θ) = ∑ Nm ejmθ // dim[n(θ)] = Coul/m2 (D.1.5a)
m = -∞
∫-π dθ n(θ) e-jmθ
π
Nm = (1/2π) . // dim[Nm] = Coul/m2 (D.1.5b)
Nm is the "moment" of the surface charge distribution in the mth partial wave. As with E(r,θ), the function
n(θ) is also a function of implicit arguments ω and k.
In principle, n(θ) could have a phase which varies with θ. If we momenarily assume this is not the
case and assume that n(θ) is real, then (D.1.5b) says N-m = Nm* and then
∞ ∞ ∞
n(θ) = ∑ Nm ejmθ = N0 + ∑ [ Nm ejmθ + Nm* e-jmθ ] = N0 + 2 ∑ Re{ Nm ejmθ}
m = -∞ m=1 m=1
∞
= N0 + 2 ∑ { Re(Nm) cos(mθ) - Im(Nm) sin(mθ) } . (D.1.6)
m=1
If we furthermore assume that n(θ) is an even function of θ, as symmetry implies for our particular figure
below, then (D.1.5b) says the Nm are real and then we have
∞
n(θ) = N0 + 2 ∑ Nm cos(mθ) . // n(θ) real and even in θ (D.1.7)
m=1
For a moderately closely spaced twin lead transmission line (we allow for different radii), one might
expect the m=0 and m=1 partial waves to be dominant : [ the moments appears in (6.5.4) ]
323
Fig D.1
Notice that
∫-π dθ n(θ) ∫-π [adθdz] n(θ)
π π
N0 = (1/2π) = (1/2π) (1/a)(1/dz) = (1/2π) (1/a)(1/dz) Q
where Q is the total charge on a thin ribbon of width dz wrapping the round wire. In (4.3.8) we refer to
the quantity Q/dz as q(0), where q(z) = q(0) ejkz = the total charge on the wire per unit length. Thus,
N0 = (1/2πa) q(0) = <n(θ)> // q(0) = CV (D.1.8)
(c) The Vector Laplacian in Cylindrical Coordinates
Given the following cylindrical-coordinates field components,
E(r,θ,z,t) = Er(r,θ,z,t)r ^ + E (r,θ,z,t)z

^ + Eθ(r,θ,z,t)θ ^
z
we may write out our ansatz wave form (D.1.1) and the Helmholtz equation (D.1.2a) in more detail,
Er(r,θ,z,t) = ej(ωt-kz) Er(r,θ) . [∇2E(r,θ,z,t)]r + β2 Er(r,θ,z,t) = 0

Eθ(r,θ,z,t) = ej(ωt-kz) Eθ(r,θ) . [∇2E(r,θ,z,t)]θ + β2 Eθ(r,θ,z,t) = 0
Ez(r,θ,z,t) = ej(ωt-kz) Ez(r,θ) . [∇2E(r,θ,z,t)]z + β2 Ez(r,θ,z,t) = 0 . (D.1.9)
where β2 is the Helmholtz parameter of the conductor medium, not to be confused with k.
In Cartesian coordinates, it happens that [∇2E]i = ∇2(Ei), but this is not generally true for curvilinear
coordinates. In cylindrical coordinates, it is true for the z coordinate only. The operator ∇2 when applied
to a vector field is called "the vector Laplacian" and it is very different from the scalar Laplacian, so much
so that some authors (Moon and Spencer) replace [∇2E] by [@E] which is defined in this manner
[@E] ≡ [∇2E] ≡ grad(div E) – curl (curl E) = ∇(∇•E) - ∇ x (∇ x E) (D.1.10)
whereas
∇2φ ≡ div(grad φ) = ∇•(∇φ) . (D.1.11)
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It is the vector Laplacian that appears in our Helmholtz equation (D.1.2). For cylindrical coordinates it
turns out that,
(∇2E)r = ∇2Er - (2/r2) ∂θEθ - (1/r2) Er

(∇2E)θ = ∇2Eθ + (2/r2) ∂θEr - (1/r2) Eθ
(∇2E)z = ∇2Ez (D.1.12)
where ∇2 is the scalar Laplacian, given in cylindrical coordinates by
∇2 = (1/r)∂r(r∂r) + (1/r2)∂θ2 + ∂z2 = ∂r2 + (1/r)∂r + (1/r2)∂θ2 + ∂z2 . (D.1.13)
Notice in (D.1.12) that Eθ is mixed into the "r equation" and Er is mixed into the "θ equation".
See for example Morse and Feshbach Vol I p 116, Moon and Spencer p 139, or do a web search on
"vector Laplacian". The author's Tensor Analysis document, Sections 13, 14 and 15, derives these results
for arbitrary coordinate systems. Here is a summary of vector differential operators in cylindrical
coordinates taken from Morse and Feshbach, where the last line corresponds to the above discussion:
(D.1.14)
We use θ for azimuth instead of their φ since φ is our scalar potential.

Using the ansatz form (D.1.1) and partial wave expansions of the form (D.1.3) or (D.1.5), it is a
simple matter to convert an equation containing the above differential operators and involving
components like Ei(r,θ,z,t) or n(θ,z,t) to a simpler equation involving components like Ei(r,m) and Nm
and this will be done below.
(d) The three Helmholtz equations and div E = 0 (in partial waves)
1. The z equation: The Ez Helmholtz Equation from (D.1.9) is [∇2E]z + β2 Ez = 0.
Using (D.1.12) and (D.1.13), the Ez equation may be written,
[∂r2 + (1/r) ∂r + (1/r2) ∂θ2 + ∂z2 + β2 ] ej(ωt-kz)Ez(r,θ) = 0 . (1)
325
Inserting the expansion (D.1.3) for Ez(r,θ) and moving the m sum to the left gives
∞
∑ [∂r2 + (1/r) ∂r + (1/r2) ∂θ2 + ∂z2 + β2 ] ej(ωt-kz)Ez(r,m) ejmθ = 0 . (2)
m = -∞
We can then make the obvious replacements ∂z = -jk and ∂θ = +jm to get,
∞
∑ { [∂r2 + (1/r) ∂r -m2 (1/r2) – k2 + β2 ] ej(ωt-kz)Ez(r,m) } ejmθ = 0 . (3)
m = -∞
Due to the completeness of functions ejmθ on the interval (-π.π), we conclude that { } = 0, or
[∂r2 + (1/r) ∂r -m2 (1/r2) – k2 + β2 ] ej(ωt-kz)Ez(r,m) = 0 . (4)
∫-π dθ e-jm'θ to both sides of (3),

π
Alternatively one can apply use the orthogonality property
∫-π dθ ej(m-m')θ
π
= 2π δm,m' , (5)
and then change m' to m to get (4).
Next, multiply both sides of (4) by r2 e-j(ωt-kz) to get,
[r2∂r2 + r ∂r - m2 +r2( β2- k2)] Ez(r,m) = 0 . (D.1.15)
We may then write these rules for converting equation (1) to equation (D.1.15)
Conversion Rules: ∂z → -jk ∂t→ +jω

∂θ → +jm f(r,θ,z,t ) → f(r,m) (D.1.16)
We can now practice with these rules to convert various other equations of interest. A field with unstated
arguments has the full arguments (r,θ,z,t).
2. The r equation: The Er Helmholtz Equation from (D.1.9) is [∇2E]r + β2 Er = 0 .
Using (D.1.12) we find,
∇2(Er) - (2/r2) ∂θEθ - (1/r2) Er + β2Er = 0
[∂r2 + (1/r)∂r + (1/r2)∂θ2 + ∂z2] Er - (2/r2) ∂θEθ - (1/r2) Er + β2Er = 0
[∂r2 + (1/r)∂r + (1/r2)∂θ2 + ∂z2 - (1/r2) + β2] Er - (2/r2) ∂θEθ = 0 .
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Now apply the conversion rules to get
[∂r2 + (1/r)∂r + (1/r2) (-m2) - k2 - (1/r2) + β2] Er(r,m) - (2/r2) jm Eθ(r,m) = 0 .
Group like terms and multiply by r2 to get
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1) + r2(β2-k2)] Er(r,m) - 2jm Eθ(r,m) = 0 . (D.1.17)
3. The θ equation: The Eθ Helmholtz Equation from (D.1.9) is [∇2E]θ + β2 Eθ = 0 .
Using (D.1.12) we find,
∇2(Eθ) + (2/r2) ∂θEr - (1/r2) Eθ + β2Eθ = 0
[∂r2 + (1/r)∂r + (1/r2)∂θ2 + ∂z2] Eθ + (2/r2) ∂θEr - (1/r2) Eθ + β2Eθ = 0
[∂r2 + (1/r)∂r + (1/r2)∂θ2 + ∂z2 - (1/r2) + β2] Eθ + (2/r2) ∂θEr = 0 .
Now apply the conversion rules to get
[∂r2 + (1/r)∂r + (1/r2)(-m2) + (-k2) - (1/r2) + β2] Eθ(r,m) + (2/r2) jm Er(r,m) = 0 .
Group like terms and multiply by r2 to get
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1) + r2(β2-k2)] Eθ(r,m) + 2jmEr(r,m) = 0 . (D.1.18)
4. The divE = 0 equation: Using (D.1.14) for div E ( times r ) we write div E = 0 as
∂r (r Er) + ∂θEθ + r ∂zEz = 0 .
Applying the conversion rules gives
∂r [r Er(r,m)] + jmEθ(r,m) + r (-jk)Ez(r,m) = 0

or
[1 + r∂r ] Er(r,m) + jmEθ(r,m) + r (-jk)Ez(r,m) = 0 . (D.1.19)
Here then is a summary of the above four results:
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The Three Helmholtz Equations and the div E = 0 equation (in partial waves) (D.1.20)
[∇2E]z + β2 Ez = 0 :
[r2∂r2 + r ∂r - m2 + r2 ( β2- k2)] Ez(r,m) = 0 (D.1.15)
[∇2E]r + β2 Er = 0 :
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1) + r2(β2-k2)] Er(r,m) - 2jm Eθ(r,m) = 0 (D.1.17)
[∇2E]θ + β2 Eθ = 0 :
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1) + r2(β2-k2)] Eθ(r,m) + 2jmEr(r,m) = 0 (D.1.18)
div E = 0 :
∂r [r Er(r,m)] + jmEθ(r,m) -jk r Ez(r,m) = 0 (D.1.19)
Helmholtz Comments: The scalar Helmholtz equation (∇2+β2)u(r,θ,z) = 0 is fully separable in cylindrical
coordinates and the "harmonics" (we call them atomic forms) are as follows
[ Jm(β'r), Ym(β'r)] * [ejmθ, e-jmθ] * [e jkz

, e- jkz
] (D.1.21)
where k is a free real parameter and where β'2 = β2 - k2. Here we use parameter names relevant for our
particular problem where u = Ez. These atomic forms appear for example in Moon and Spencer p15 with
β = κ, m = p, β' = iq, α2 = m2, and -α3 = β'2. Whether a parameter like m or β' is real, imaginary or
complex depends on the nature of the problem, and the above is a standard atoms choice for problems of
our type. The θ "quantum number" m is quantized to be an integer by the fact that the problem region is
the entire range (-π,π) for θ and the solution must be single valued in θ. Our k is a parameter determined
for a lossless line by k = ω μdεd and is thus correlated with the selected frequency ω, whereas our
parameter β is always complex as in (1.5.1c or d). In general, in any list of atomic forms like that shown
above, two of the three atoms will be oscillatory and the third will be exponential, and in our case Jm(β'r)
is the exponential one, hence the skin effect with its exponential damping as shown in (2.3.7). Away from
a singular point, any solution to (∇2 + β2) u(r,θ,z) = 0 must be writable as a linear combination of the
atoms, so
u = ∫dk Σm [Ak,m Jm(β'r) + Bk,m Ym(β'r) [Ck,m ejmθ + Dk,m e-jmθ ] [Ek,m e jkz
+ Fk,m e- jkz
].
A general solution method is to find a subset of the above most-general form that is appropriate in each
"region" of the problem, and then to match boundary conditions between regions. If the problem is well-
posed, this will determine all the constants A,B,C,D,E,F. We refer to this solution method as "the method
of Smythian forms" (Smythe used this method a lot). Often many of these constants are 0.
In contrast, the vector Helmholtz equation is not separable in cylindrical coordinates (see Moon and
Spencer p 139), it is not even "R-separable", so there are no associated "harmonics" as there are with the
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scalar Helmholtz equation. Nevertheless, the functions ejmθ form a complete set for θ in (-π,π) and our
expansion of each Ei onto these ejmθ is certainly allowed, even though these ejmθ are not part of any
associated harmonics for the vector Helmholtz equation.
However, in Cartesian coordinates each Helmholtz component equation is a scalar Helmholtz
equation. In cylindrical coordinates z is a Cartesian coordinate, so we should not be surprised when we
find below that Ez ~ Jm(β'r) eimθ e-jkz and this fits into the general form noted above. Neither Er nor Eθ
will have such a form.
D.2 Solutions for Ez,Er and Eθ
(a) The Ez Solution
As shown in (D.1.15), the Helmholtz equation for Ez(r,m) is
[r2∂r2 + r ∂r + (r2 β'2 - m2)] Ez(r,m) = 0 (D.2.1)
where
β'2 = β2 - k2 . (D.2.2)
For a perfect conductor, |β| is very large compared to the low-loss value k = βd ≈ βd0 (slight dielectric
conductivity), so we could ignore the distinction between β and β' in that low-loss case. To show this,
recall from (1.5.1b and d) that
2 2 2 β2 μ σ
βd0 = ω μdεd β ≈ - jωμσ => | β 2 | ≈ μ ωε .
d0 d d
In scale, μ and μd are about the same, so using numbers from (1.1.28) and (1.1.29),
β2 σ 5.81 x 107 1018 109

| β 2 | ≈ ωε = 2πf 8.85 x 10-12 ≈ f(Hz) = f(GHz)
d0 d
β 3.2x104
|β | ≈
d0 f(GHz)
For f = 100 GHz we then find that |β/βd0| ≈ 3200, so for f < 100 GHz, |β/βd0| > 3200.
As noted earlier, we maintain k as a general complex parameter to be able to handle situations with
loss, and thus we maintain the distinction between β and β' in all that follows.
Setting x = β'r one finds ∂r = β'∂x and then r∂r = x∂x and so on so that (D.2.1) reads
[x2∂x2 + x ∂x + (x2- m2)] Ez(x/β',m) = 0 . x = β'r (D.2.3)
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This is Bessel's equation [ Spiegel 24.1] and the solution subject to the condition that Ez be finite at r = 0
is Ez(x/β',m) = Czm Jm(x) or
Ez(r,m) = Czm Jm(β'r) (D.2.4)
where Czm is an arbitrary constant for each partial wave m.

For m = 0, equation (D.2.4) is consistent with (2.2.22) found by other means. In Section 2.1 we dealt
only with the m=0 partial wave, which embodies the symmetrical part of the problem.
(b) The Er Solution
As shown in (D.1.17), the Helmholtz equation for Er(r,m) is, using (D.2.2),
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1) + r2β'2] Er(r,m) - 2jm Eθ(r,m) = 0 (D.2.5)
while the div E = 0 condition was stated in (D.1.19) as
[1 + r∂r ] Er(r,m) + jmEθ(r,m) + r (-jk)Ez(r,m) = 0

or
-jmEθ(r,m) = [1 + r∂r ] Er(r,m) - r (jk)Ez(r,m) . (D.2.6)
Inserting this into (D.2.5) gives [ m = 0 is a special case, but it falls out below correctly ]
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1) + r2 β'2] Er(r,m) + [2 + 2r∂r ] Er(r,m) - 2r (jk)Ez(r,m) = 0

or
[r2∂r2 + 3r∂r + (1-m2) + r2 β'2] Er(r,m) = 2r (jk)Ez(r,m) . (D.2.7)
Inserting solution (D.2.4) for Ez(r,m) this becomes
[r2∂r2 + 3r∂r + (1-m2) + r2 β'2] Er(r,m) = 2r (jk) Czm Jm(β'r)

or
[r2∂r2 + 3r∂r + (1-m2) + r2 β'2] Er(r,m) = 2j (k/β') Czm β' r Jm(β'r)
or
[r2∂r2 + 3r∂r + (1-m2) + r2 β'2] Er(r,m) = Km β'r Jm(β'r) (D.2.8)
where
Km ≡ 2j (k/β') Czm . (D.2.9)
In order to get the left side of (D.2.8) into something recognizable, we define
Er(r,m) = x-1 Fm(x) (D.2.10)
where x is a dimensionless radial variable which will play a major role in the following,
330
x ≡ β'r and xa ≡ β'a . (D.2.11)
Then (D.2.8) becomes
[x2∂x2 + 3x∂x + (1-m2) + x2] { x-1 Fm(x)} = 2j (k/β') Czm x Jm(x)

or
x [x2∂x2 + 3x∂x + (1-m2) + x2] { x-1 Fm(x)} = Km x2 Jm(x) . (D.2.12)
Ever eager, Maple expands the left side of (D.2.12),
so that (D.2.12) becomes
[ x2 ∂x2 + x ∂x + (x2-m2)] Fm(x) = Km x2 Jm(x) . (D.2.13)
The left side of (D.2.13) is the normal Bessel operator [ Spiegel 24.1] , but the equation is also driven by a
power times a Bessel function. The solution to the equation is the homogeneous solution of the Bessel
equation plus the particular solution which is the response to the driving function on the right hand side.
The homogeneous solution is the usual linear combination of Jm(x) and Ym(x), but we must reject
Ym(x) since it blows up at x=0 and thereby causes the field Er to be singular, which it cannot be, smack in
the middle of a wire.
The particular solution is not very obvious and required some hunting to find. It is this
Fm(x)particular = (1/2) Km [ x Jm+1(x) ] . (D.2.14)
as Maple confirms, continuing the above code,
Therefore, we now have this full solution for Fm(x)
Fm(x) = Fm(x)particular + Fm(x)homogeneous = (1/2) Km [ x Jm+1(x) ] + am Jm(x)
and then from (D.2.10) the full solution for Er ,
331
Km
Er(r,m) = am x-1 Jm(x) + 2 Jm+1(x) . (D.2.15)
For each value of m, there are two as-yet undetermined constants, am and (Km/2). However, looking at
(D.2.15), we see that, since J0(x) ≈ 1 for small x, we must have
a0 = 0 (D.2.16)
to keep Er finite at r = 0. Later we shall obtain expressions for am and (Km/2).
(c) The Eθ Solution
Recall (D.2.6) in slightly altered form,
jmEθ(r,m) = - ∂r[rEr(r,m)] + r (jk)Ez(r,m) . (D.2.6)
We can then insert our known Ez and Er to get Eθ :
Ez(r,m) = Czm Jm(x) (D.2.4)

Km
Er(r,m) = am x-1 Jm(x) + 2 Jm+1(x) . (D.2.15)
so (D.2.6) just above becomes the following :
Km
jmEθ(r,m) = -∂r[r{ am x-1 Jm(x) + 2 Jm+1(x)}] + r (jk) Czm Jm(x)
Km Km
jmEθ(r,m) = -∂x[x{ am x-1 Jm(x) + 2 Jm+1(x)}] + 2 x Jm(x) // Km ≡ 2j (k/β') Czm
Km Km
jmEθ(r,m) = -∂x[am Jm(x) + 2 x Jm+1(x)] + 2 x Jm(x)
Km Km Km
jmEθ(r,m) = -am Jm'(x) - 2 Jm+1(x) - 2 x Jm+1'(x) + 2 x Jm(x)
Km
jmEθ(r,m) = - am Jm'(x) + 2 [ - Jm+1(x) - x Jm+1'(x) + x Jm(x) ] . (D.2.17)
At this point we invoke the recurrence relations [ NIST 10.6.2 ], where C ν is any Bessel function,
to write
Jm+1' = Jm - (m+1)x-1Jm+1 first relation with ν = m+1

Jm' = -Jm+1 + (m/x)Jm second relation with ν = m . (D.2.18)
332
Insert these into (D.2.17) to get
Km
jmEθ(r,m) = - am Jm' + 2 [ - x Jm+1' - Jm+1 + xJm]
Km
= - am {-Jm+1 + (m/x)Jm } + 2 [ - x { Jm - (m+1)x-1Jm+1} - Jm+1 + xJm]
Km
= am Jm+1 - am (m/x)Jm + 2 [ - x Jm + (m+1) Jm+1 - Jm+1 + xJm]
Km
= am Jm+1 - am (m/x)Jm + 2 [ m Jm+1]
Km
= - am (m/x)Jm + ( 2 m + am ) Jm+1 .
Dividing by m then gives the final solution [ again, m = 0 is a special case ]
Km am
jEθ(r,m) = - am x-1 Jm(x) + ( 2 + m ) Jm+1(x) x = β'r . (D.2.19)
We now gather up the solutions developed above, but first, recall that
Km ≡ 2j (k/β') Czm (D.2.5)
which we can solve to get
Czm = (1/2j)(β'/k) Km . (D.2.20)
Installing this into (D.2.4), our three E field components are then
First summary of the E field solutions (D.2.21)
Km
Ez(r,m) = - j (β'/k) 2 Jm(x) x = β'r (D.1.27)
Km
Er(r,m) = am x-1 Jm(x) + 2 Jm+1(x) β'2 = β2 - k2 (D.2.11)
Km am
jEθ(r,m) = - am x-1 Jm(x) + ( 2 + m ) Jm+1(x) (D.2.15)
These solutions were obtained from the z and r Helmholtz equations and from the div E = 0 equation. As
K0 a0
will be shown below, for m = 0 it turns out that a0 = 0 and also ( 2 + 0 ) = 0, so Eθ(r,0) ≡ 0. This last
result may be directly obtained by solving the m = 0 Eθ equation (D.1.18) to get Eθ(r,0) = Cθ0 J1(β'r) and
then the boundary condition Eθ(a,0) = 0 forces Cθ0 = 0.
333
It is an easy matter to have Maple verify that this solution set solves the div E equation and all three of
the Helmholtz equations z, r and θ :
Maple Comment: In Maple one must be careful with this kind of verification to make sure Maple has
not misunderstood something. For example, perhaps it thinks ∂rEz = 0 because it thinks Ez is a constant.
This is the purpose of using the "inert" Diff operators (versus diff) when the function to be differentiated
has not yet been defined, and then forcing them to evaluate later with the value() operator. One should
334
always view expressions before simplification to make sure things are kosher. For example, changing the
colon to semicolon after value(e1) to force display, one gets
Here Maple has duly computed the Bessel function derivatives in expression e1 but does not yet realize
that the expression is 0. This is brought out by the simplify(%) command (simplify the last computed
expression) and the output of the simplify command is the 0 on the last line.
Here is an alternative verification of divE = 0 and (∇2+β2)E = 0 using Maple's fancy differential
operators and the fact that ∇2E = grad(divE) – curl(curlE). We use the same field components as above,
but tack on the θ and z dependence of the partial waves:
335
(d) The Charge Pumping Boundary Condition
The reason we are interested in the surface charge n(θ) of (D.1.5) is that it acts as a driving source of the
radial electric field inside the wire. Recall the equation of continuity (1.1.35) converted to the ω domain
div J = - jωρ ⇔ -jω[∫V ρ dV] = ∫S J • dS . (D.2.22)
This is meant to be (1.1.25) where J is conduction current and ρ is free charge. When applied to a thin
box of radial area dS straddling the wire surface,
Fig D.2
one finds that ∫S J • dS = -Jr(r=a-ε,θ)dS and ∫V ρ dV = n(θ) dS so that (ε implies just below surface)
Jr(r=a-ε,θ) = jω n(θ) . (D.2.23)
We assume there is no conduction current outside the wire to get this result (non-conducting dielectric).
Since J = σE, this is really a boundary condition on the radial electric field just below the surface,
Er(r=a-ε,θ) = (jω/σ) n(θ) . (D.2.24)
We convert this to m-space using the conversion rules (D.1.16) to obtain (dropping the ε)
Er(r=a,m) = (jω/σ) Nm . (D.2.25)
Thus, the interior radial electric field must have a certain value at the r=a boundary in each partial wave,
and this value is determined by the moment of the surface charge distribution.
By way of interpretation, the surface charge of a transmission line is "pumped" by the radial current in the
wire (in quadrature), see Fig D.7 far below. This radial current is accompanied by the usual longitudinal
current one expects to find inside the conductors of a transmission line.
If the dielectric conducts with some σd > 0 but σd << σ, one must make these replacements in (D.2.24)
and (D.2.25),
336
n(θ) → (ξd/εd) n(θ) Nm → (ξd/εd) Nm .
See (D.9.23) and surrounding discussion. Generally we shall assume σd = 0 in the following work just to
avoid having the extra (ξd/εd) factors floating around.
(e) Application of the Boundary Conditions
Our task here is to derive expressions for the constants am and Km appearing in the above E field
component equations.
We have two boundary conditions to impose:
Er(r=a,m) = (jω/σ) Nm (D.2.26)

Eθ(r=a,m) = 0 . (D.2.27)
The first is the radial charge pumping condition shown in (D.2.25) above. The second boundary condition
is an assumption that requires its own discussion in Section D.8 below. It implies that the cross sectional
wire surface is an equipotential surface and that therefore Eθ(r=a,θ) = 0. This in turn requires that in each
partial wave Eθ(r,m) = 0 since
∫-π dθ Eθ(r,θ) e-jmθ

π
Eθ(r,m) = (1/2π) (D.1.3b)
∫-π dθ Eθ(a,θ) e-jmθ ∫-π dθ 0 e-jmθ

π π
Eθ(a,m) = (1/2π) = (1/2π) =0 .
These two boundary conditions serve to determine the two constants am and Km, though a bit of algebra is
required. The first step is to use the Er and Eθ expressions shown in summary box (D.2.21) to write out
the two boundary conditions as
Km
am xa-1 Jm(xa) + 2 Jm+1(xa) = (jω/σ) Nm (1)
Km am
- am xa-1 Jm(xa) + ( 2 + m ) Jm+1(xa) = 0 . (2)
Addition and subtraction of these equations gives two new equations,
Km Km am
2 Jm+1(xa) + ( 2 + m ) Jm+1(xa) = (jω/σ) Nm (3)
am
2 am xa-1 Jm(xa) - m Jm+1(xa) = (jω/σ) Nm . (4)
Using the recursion relation 2m x-1 Jm = [Jm+1 + Jm-1] , the second may be immediately solved for am,
am 1
m = (jω/2σ) 2 Nm Jm-1(xa) . (5)
337
Using this same recursion relation and (5) for am , equation (2) may be solved to get
Km am 1 1
( 2 + m ) = (jω/2σ) Nm [J (x ) + J (x ) ] . (6)
m+1 a m-1 a
Finally, subtracting (5) from (6) we find
Km 1 1
2 = (jω/2σ) Nm [Jm+1(xa) – Jm-1(xa) ] . (7)
Notice the following situations for m = 0,
a0 = 0 (8) // from (5)

a0 1 1
0 = (jω/2σ) 2 N0 J-1(xa) = - (jω/2σ) 2 N0 J1(xa) (9) // from (5)
K0 1 1 1
2 = (jω/2σ) N0 [J1(xa) – J-1(xa) ] = ( jω/σ) N0 J1(xa) (10) // from (7)
K0 a0
(2 + 0 ) =0 (11) // adding (9) and (10)
We summarize the coefficients as follows:
1
am = (jω/2σ) 2m Nm J . a0 = 0 (D.2.28)
m-1(xa)
Km 1 1 K0 1
2 = (jω/2σ) Nm [Jm+1(xa) – Jm-1(xa) ] 2 = (jω/σ) N0 J1(xa)
Km am 1 1 K0 a0
( 2 + m ) = (jω/2σ) Nm [J (x ) + J (x ) ] ( 2 + 0 ) =0
m+1 a m-1 a
The third equation is obvious from adding the first two, and Maple verifies that the first two satisfy (1)
and (2). At this point it is convenient to introduce the DC resistance per unit length of the wire (C.1.1),
1
Rdc = σπa2 (D.2.29)
along with a new symbol to indicate the relative surface charge moment,
Nm
ηm ≡ N . (D.2.30)
0
The DC moment N0 can be related to the total current I in the wire as follows:
338
∞
∫0 ∫0 ∫0 ∫0
2π a 2π a
I= dθ r dr Jz(r,θ) = dθ r dr { σ ∑ Ez(r,m) ejmθ } // (D.1.3a)
m = -∞
∞
∫0 ∫0 dθ ejmθ = 2π σ ∫ r dr Ez(r,0)
a 2π a
= σ ∑ r dr Ez(r,m)
0
m = -∞
K0
= 2π σ ∫ r dr {-j(β'/k) 2 J0(x) }
a
// (D.2.21) for Ez(r,0)
0
K0 a
= -j(β'/k) 2π σ 2 ∫ r dr J0(x) // x = β'r so xdx = β'2 rdr
0
K0 K0
= -j(β'k)-1 2πσ 2 [ ∫ a dx x J0(x)] = -j(β'k)-1 2πσ 2 [ xa J1(xa) ]
x
// GR7 5.52.1
0
K0
= -j(β'k)-1 2πσ {(jω/σ) N0 / J1(xa)} [ xa J1(xa) ] // (D.2.28) for 2
= (β'k)-1 2πω N0 xa = (β'k)-1 2πω N0 β'a
= 2πω (a/k) N0
so that
I = 2πω (a/k) N0 (D.2.31a)
N0 = (k/2πωa) I . // I is called i(z=0) in (4.9.2) so I = i(0) (D.2.31b)
From (D.1.8) we know that N0 = <n(θ)> = (1/2πa) q and since q = CV we get the alternate form,
I = 2πa (ω/k) N0 = 2πa (ω/k) (1/2πa) q = (ω/k) CV . (D.2.31c)
It follows from (D.2.31b) that the normalization factor appearing in (D.2.28) may be written as
Nm
(jω/2σ) Nm = (jω/2σ) N N0 = (jω/2σ) ηm [(k/2πωa) I ] = (j/4) ηm (ak/σπa2) I
0
= (j/4) (ak) ηm I Rdc . (D.2.32)
We may now construct the final form for our E field solutions in (D.2.21) using the coefficients in
(D.2.28) and the replacement (D.2.32) :
Km 1 1
Ez(r,m) = -j(β'/k) 2 Jm(x) = -j(β'/k) (jω/2σ) Nm [J (x ) – J (x ) ] Jm(x)
m+1 a m-1 a
1 1
= -j(β'/k) [(j/4) (ak) ηm I Rdc] [J – Jm-1(xa) ] Jm(x)
m+1(xa)
339
Jm(x) Jm(x)
= (1/4) ηm I Rdc (aβ') [ J (x ) - Jm-1(xa) ]
m+1 a
Km
Er(r,m) = am x-1 Jm(x) + 2 Jm+1(x)
1 1 1
= [(jω/2σ) Nm] { 2m J (x ) x-1 Jm(x) + [J (x ) – J (x ) ] Jm+1(x) }
m-1 a m+1 a m-1 a
2mx-1Jm(x) Jm+1(x) Jm+1(x)

= (j/4) (ak) ηm I Rdc { J (x ) + Jm+1(xa) - Jm-1(xa) }
m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
= (j/4) (ak) ηm I Rdc { J (x ) + J (x ) }
m+1 a m-1 a
where in the last line we used the NIST (10.6.1) Bessel identity (2m/x)Jm(x) = Jm-1(x) + Jm+1(x). Finally,
Km am
jEθ(r,m) = - am x-1 Jm(x) + ( 2 + m ) Jm+1(x)
1 1 1
= [(jω/2σ) Nm] { - 2m x-1 J + [ + Jm-1(xa) ] Jm+1(x)
m-1(xa) Jm+1(xa)
2mx-1Jm(x) Jm+1(x) Jm+1(x)

= (j/4) (ak) ηm I Rdc { - Jm-1(xa) + [ J (x ) + Jm-1(xa) ] }
m+1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
= (j/4) (ak) ηm I Rdc { J (x ) - J (x ) }
m+1 a m-1 a
Gathering up one more time:
1
Second summary of the E field solutions : Rdc = σπa2 β'2 = β2 - k2 (D.2.33)
Jm(x) Jm(x)
Ez(r,m) = (1/4) ηm I Rdc (aβ') fm fm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] x = β'r
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
Er(r,m) = (j/4) ηm I Rdc (ak) gm gm = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] xa = β'a
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
Eθ(r,m) = (1/4) ηm I Rdc (ak) hm hm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ]
m+1 a m-1 a
Maple verification of these solutions is shown below.
340
Observations about the solution:
(1) We looked for a traveling wave solution inside a round wire in which phase fronts propagate down the
wire (z direction) with angular frequency ω and wavelength λ = 2π/Re(k). We found the solution shown
in the above box. This solution satisfies all three components of the vector Helmholtz equation (D.1.2) as
well as the div E = 0 equation.
(2) For a low-loss line one has ξ ≈ σ/(jω) and ξd ≈ εd. These are the complex dielectric "constants". The
corresponding wavenumbers are then
β' ≈ β = ω μξ ≈ ω μ σ/(jω) = ej3π/4 ωμσ = ej3π/4 ( 2 /δ) (1.5.1c) ,(2.2.19), (2.2.21)
k = βd = ω μdξd ≈ ω μdεd = ω / vd = βd0 vd = speed of light in the dielectric (D.2.34)
Thus, in our wave solution (D.1.1), the phase fronts propagate down the inside of the wire at vd, the speed
of light in the dielectric outside the wire. Although we have been quiet about the fields outside the wire, it
seems reasonable to presume there is a wave outside also moving down the wire at vd . See Section D.7.
(3) For r near a, where most of the action occurs due to the skin effect, the Bessel function ratios
appearing in (D.2.33) are on the general order of unity so we expect the three brackets [...] to be of the
same general size. It then follows that the Er and Eθ fields are smaller than Ez by the ratio |k/β'| which we
have shown in the discussion below (D.2.2) is very small at frequencies below 100 GHz (lossless). Since
Ez is an electric field inside copper, it is already itself quite small, so the Er and Eθ fields are extremely
small. This then justifies their omission from the development of Chapter 2.
(4) If there exist moments Nm of the surface charge distribution on the wire with m > 1, then the
corresponding ηm ≠ 0 and it is clear that Ez(r,θ) and hence Jz(r,θ) are non-uniform inside the wire. That
is, these fields vary with θ as cos(mθ) as well as with r. The non-uniformity is not "small" but has the full
strength of ηm. Of course we only expect to get significant moments of charge density n(θ) when
conductors are "fat and close". See (6.5.4) for the special case of both conductors being round wires, and
then Section 6 (b) for more on this "proximity effect".
(5) The surface impedance from (C.2.1) is just Zs(θ) = Ez(r=a,θ)/I. Thus, from (D.1.3a),
∞
Zs(θ) = (1/I) ∑ Ez(a,m) ejmθ // (D.1.3a)
m = -∞
∞ xaJm(xa) xaJm(xa)
= (1/4) Rdc ∑ ηm [ Jm+1(xa) - Jm-1(xa) ] ejmθ // (D.2.33) xa = β'a
m = -∞
where, (D.2.35)
ωa
∫-π dθ n(θ) e-jmθ
π
ηm = Nm/N0 = kI // (D.1.5b) and (D.2.31b)
341
Thus we see the expected non-uniformity of Zz(θ) around the perimeter of the wire cross section due to
the m ≠ 0 surface charge components. Zz(θ) is larger where Jz(a,θ) is larger.
Maple verification of box (D.2.33)
We use the same method illustrated below box (D.2.21). The same expressions e1,e2,e3,e4 are entered as
the left sides of the four equations whose right sides we expect to be 0. Then:
342
D.3 What about the Eθ Helmholtz Equation ?
A review of the above derivation of the three fields Ez, Er and Eθ shows that the Eθ Helmholtz equation
has been completely ignored. The Eθ expression was obtained from the div E = 0 equation after the Ez
and Er fields were computed.
It is reasonable to wonder whether the solution fields found above in fact solve this θ Helmholtz equation
which mixes the Er and Eθ fields together in a manner similar to the r Helmholtz equation.
A related question is whether the three Helmholtz equations and div E = 0 are four independent
equations, or is one of the three Helmholtz equations dependent? In Cartesian coordinates suppose we
know that (implied sums on repeated indices)
(∂j∂j + β2) E1 = 0
(∂j∂j + β2) E2 = 0
∂iEi = 0 . // div E = 0 (D.3.1)
Can we show that (∂j∂j + β2) E3 = 0 so this third Helmholtz equation is dependent? Applying the
operator (∂j∂j + β2) to the last equation above one gets
(∂j∂j + β2) ∂iEi = 0

or
∂i (∂j∂j + β2) Ei = 0
or
∂1 (∂j∂j + β2) E1 + ∂2 (∂j∂j + β2) E2 + ∂3 (∂j∂j + β2) E3 = 0
or
∂3 [(∂j∂j + β2) E3] = 0 (D.3.2)
This does not prove that (∂j∂j + β2) E3 = 0 since (∂j∂j + β2)E3 = f(x1,x2) ≠ 0 also satisfies (D.3.2).
Rather than pursue this question further, we simply note that the Maple code below box (D.2.21) verifies
that the E field solutions given in that box do indeed satisfy the θ Helmholtz equation (as well as the other
two Helmholtz equations and the div E = 0 equation).
Reader Exercise: Come up with some reason that this had to be the case.
343
D.4 Computation of the B fields in the round wire
The B field components may be computed from the Maxwell curl E equation (1.1.2),
- ∂tB = curl E . Maxwell curl E equation (1.1.2) (D.4.1)
In cylindrical coordinates one has from (D.1.14),
r [ r-1∂θEz - ∂zEθ] + ^
curl E = ^ θ [∂zEr - ∂rEz] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rEθ) - r-1∂θEr ] (D.4.2)
where the fields are of the traveling wave form shown in (D.1.1) which we assume also for the B field.
Thus, combining (D.1.1) with (D.1.3a), one has
∞
E(r,θ,z,t) = ej(ωt-kz) E(r,θ) = ej(ωt-kz) ∑ E(r,m) ejmθ (D.4.3)
m = -∞
∞
B(r,θ,z,t) = ej(ωt-kz) B(r,θ) = ej(ωt-kz) ∑ B(r,m) ejmθ . (D.4.4)
m = -∞
Inserting the three cylindrical components of the E expansion (D.4.3) into (D.4.2), one finds that these
replacements may be made,
∂t → +jω ∂z → -jk ∂θ → +jm . (D.4.5)
Similarly, inserting the B expansion (D.4.4) into -∂tB one may replace ∂t→ +jω. After doing this, both
sides of (D.4.1) are expansions having the general form of (D.4.3) and one may then equate terms in the
m sum [completeness of the ejmθ on (-π.π)] to find that
r [ r-1jmEz +jkEθ] + ^
-jωB(r,m) = ^ θ [-jkEr - ∂rEz] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rEθ) - r-1jmEr ] (D.4.6)
and this then gives the three partial wave components of the B field
Br(r,m) = (j/ω) [curl E]r = (j/ω) [r-1jmEz + jkEθ]
Bθ(r,m) = (j/ω) [curl E]θ = (j/ω)[-jkEr - ∂rEz]
Bz(r,m) = (j/ω) [curl E]z = (j/ω) [r-1∂r(rEθ) - r-1jmEr] . (D.4.7)
It is now a simple task to insert into these Bi expressions the Ei field components from box (D.2.33),
344
1
Jm(x) Jm(x)
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
m+1 a m-1 a
We have carried out this task manually to obtain the following results (which will be verified below),
Br(r,m) = - (1/4) (a/ω) ηm I Rdc ( r-1m (β') fm + k2 hm )
Bθ(r,m) = (j/4)(a/ω) ηm I Rdc ( k2 gm - β'2fm [ (m/x) - Jm+1(x)/Jm(x)] )
Bz(r,m) = (j/4)(a/ω) ηm I Rdc (k β' em ) . (D.4.8)
Here the fm, gm and hm are the same functions appearing in the box above, and the new function em is
Jm(x) Jm(x)
em ≡ [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] . (D.4.9)
m+1 a m-1 a
Notice that the Ei and Bi fields all have the common factor [(1/4) ηm I Rdc a ]. For purposes of verifying
the Bi expressions above, we shall set this factor to 1 everywhere to obtain these scaled fields,
Ez(r,m) = β' fm
Er(r,m) = j k gm
Eθ(r,m) = k hm
Br(r,m) = - (1/ω) ( r-1m (β') fm + k2 hm )

Bθ(r,m) = j (1/ω) ( k2 gm - β'2fm [ (m/x) - Jm+1(x)/Jm(x)] )
Bz(r,m) = j (1/ω) (k β' em ) . (D.4.10)
To verify that -jωB = curl E for the above set of fields, we shall check these three equations
-jωBi = [curl E]i ? i = r,θ.z (D.4.11)
where from above
[curl E]r = [r-1jmEz +jkEθ]

[curl E]θ = [-jkEr - ∂rEz]
[curl E]z = [r-1∂r(rEθ) - r-1jmEr] . (D.4.12)
345
We start by entering these three curl expressions into Maple,
followed by the scaled B and E field expressions from (D.4.10) above,
Next come the various supporting functions,
346
Taking the precautions noted in the "Maple Comment" below (D.2.21), we now verify (D.4.11) that
-jωBi = [curl E]i :
Here then is a summary of all the E and B field results in a single box
Ez(r,m) = (1/4) ηm I Rdc (aβ') fm x = β'r xa = β'a β'2 = β2 - k2

Er(r,m) = (j/4) ηm I Rdc (ak) gm
Eθ(r,m) = (1/4) ηm I Rdc (ak) hm
Bz(r,m) = (j/4) (a/ω) ηm I Rdc (k β' em )

Br(r,m) = - (1/4) (a/ω) ηm I Rdc ( r-1m β' fm + k2 hm )
Bθ(r,m) = (j/4) (a/ω) ηm I Rdc ( k2 gm - β'2fm [ (m/x) - Jm+1(x)/Jm(x)] )

m+1 a m-1 a m+1 a m-1 a
fm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] hm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ]
m+1 a m-1 a m+1 a m-1 a
347
D.5 Verification that the E and B fields satisfy the Maxwell equations
We already know that the Maxwell curl E equation is satisfied, since it was used in the previous section to
derive the B fields. As for the other three Maxwell equations, we expect to find that
div B = 0 // since B = (1/jω) curl E so div B = (1/jω) div curl E = 0

div E = 0 // no free charge inside conductor
curl B = μ J + μ jωεE = μ(σ + jωε) E = μ(jω)( ε - jσ/ω) E = jω μξ E (D.5.1)

= j (β2/ω) E . // see (1.5.1c)
In cylindrical coordinates the curl and div operators are, from (D.1.14),
r [ r-1∂θBz - ∂zBθ] + ^
curl B = ^ θ [∂zBr - ∂rBz] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rBθ) - r-1∂θBr ]
div B = r-1∂r(rBr) + r-1∂θBθ + ∂zBz (D.5.2)
Using ∂z → -jk and ∂θ → jm we can write these in m space as
r [ r-1jmBz + jkBθ] + ^
curl B(r,m) = ^ θ [-jkBr - ∂rBz] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rBθ) - r-1jmBr ]
div B(r,m) = r-1∂r(rBr) +r-1jmBθ -jk Bz . (D.5.3)
We continue the Maple code of the previous section to verify that the other three Maxwell equations are
satisfied:
348
The reader is again referred to the "Maple Comment" below (D.2.21). The expressions on the three last
lines prior to simplification are quite complicated, for example
No approximations were made in the E fields, the B fields, or in these Maxwell verifications.
D.6 The exact E and B fields for the m=0 partial wave
The m=0 partial wave is all there is for an axially symmetric problem like that considered in Chapter 2,
where the round wire is imagined in isolation, but is operationally the central conductor of a coaxial cable
with a very distant return cylinder (outer shield). Here is the reduction of box (D.4.13) for m = 0:
J0(x) J0(x) J0(x) J0(x)

e0 = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] = 0
1 a -1 a 1 a 1 a
J0(x) J0(x) J0(x) J0(x) J0(x)
f0 = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] = 2 J1(xa)
1 a -1 a 1 a 1 a
J1(x) J-1(x) J1(x) J1(x) J1(x)
g0 = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] = 2 J1(xa)
1 a -1 a 1 a 1 a
J1(x) J-1(x) J1(x) J1(x)
h0 = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] = 0 (D.6.1)
1 a -1 a 1 a 1 a
J0(x)
Ez(r,0) = (1/4) I Rdc (aβ') f0 = (1/4) I Rdc (aβ') 2 J (x )
1 a
J1(x)
Er(r,0) = (j/4) I Rdc (ak) g0 = (j/4) I Rdc (ak) 2 J (x )
1 a
Eθ(r,0) = (1/4) I Rdc (ak) h0 =0
Bz(r,0) = (j/4) (a/ω) I Rdc (k β' e0 ) = 0
Br(r,0) = - (1/4) (a/ω) I Rdc (k2 h0 ) = 0
349
Bθ(r,0) = (j/4) (a/ω) I Rdc ( k2 g0 + β'2f0 [J1(x)/J0(x)] )

J1(x) J0(x)
= (j/4) (a/ω) I Rdc ( k2 2 J (x ) + β'2 2 J (x ) [J1(x)/J0(x)] )
1 a 1 a
J 1 (x) J1(x)
= (j/4) (a/ω) I Rdc ( k2 2 J (x ) + β'2 2 J (x ) )
1 a 1 a
J1(x)
= (j/4) (a/ω) I Rdc ( k2 + β'2 ) 2 J (x )
1 a
J1 (x)
= (j/4) (a/ω) I Rdc β2 2 J (x ) // β'2 = β2-k2 (D.6.2)
1 a
The results then are
Summary of E and B fields inside a round wire ( m = 0 only ) (D.6.3)
J0(x)
Ez(r,0) = (1/2) I Rdc (aβ') J (x ) Bz(r,0) = 0 x = β'r xa = β'a
1 a
J1(x) 1
Er(r,0) = (j/2) I Rdc (ak) J (x ) Br(r,0) = 0 Rdc = σπa2
1 a
J1(x)
Eθ(r,0) = 0 Bθ(r,0) = (j/2) (a/ω) I Rdc β2 J (x )
1 a
For a low-loss transmission line k ≈ βd0 = ω/vd. As implied by the comments below (D.2.2), in this
situation one has k << |β| and thus also k << |β'| . Ignoring the difference between J0 and J1 in scale,
(D.6.3) shows that | Er / Ez | ~ | k/β'| << 1 so the Er field is very small and Ez is the main electric field.
For such a transmission line one has,
J0(x) J0(x)
Ez(r,0) = (1/2) I Rdc (aβ) J (x ) = (ω/β) [(1/2) (aβ2/ω) I Rdc] J (x )
1 a 1 a
J1(x) J1(x)
Bθ(r,0) ≈ (j/2) (a/ω) I Rdc β2 J (x ) = j [(1/2) (aβ2/ω) I Rdc] J (x ) (D.6.4)
1 a 1 a
where on the right we have rewritten the expressions in a seemingly obscure manner. As shown in (2.2.3),
β2/ω ≈ - jμσ so that
1 μI
[(1/2) (aβ2/ω) I Rdc] = (1/2) a (- jμσ) I σπa2 = - j 2πa . (D.6.5)
Since this is the bracket appearing in both field expressions in (D.6.4), we find that
μI J0(x) μI J0(x)
Ez(r,0) = (ω/β) [- j 2πa ] J (x ) = -j (ω/β) 2πa J (x )
1 a 1 a
μI J1(x) μI J1(x)
Bθ(r,0) = j [- j 2πa ] J (x ) = 2πa J (x ) . (D.6.6)
1 a 1 a
These results are in agreement with E(r) and B(r) shown in summary box (2.2.30) from the Chapter 2
z and B = B(r) ^
calculation where we assumed E = E(r) ^ θ.
350
D.7 What about the E fields outside the round wire?
The E field Helmholtz equation (D.1.2) outside the wire contains βd instead of β. If we assume perfect
conductors, then k = βd as well in (D.1.1). This means that
β'2 = βd2- βd2 = 0 .
We can then translate box (D.1.20) by replacing β2- k2 → 0 and β2 → k2 = βd2 to get the following
"exterior" versions: (Note that ∇2 = ∇22D + ∂z2)
[∇2E]z + k2 Ez = 0 : // [∇22DE]z = 0
[r2∂r2 + r ∂r - m2] Ez(r,m) = 0 (D.1.15)ext
[∇2E]r + k2 Er = 0 : // [∇22DE]r = 0
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1)] Er(r,m) - 2jm Eθ(r,m) = 0 (D.1.17)ext
[∇2E]θ + k2 Eθ = 0 : // [∇22DE]θ = 0
[r2∂r2 + r∂r - (m2+1)] Eθ(r,m) + 2jmEr(r,m) = 0 (D.1.18)ext
div E = 0 :
∂r [r Er(r,m)] + jmEθ(r,m) -j k r Ez(r,m) = 0 (D.1.19)ext
The differential operators appearing in the above equations are no longer Bessel-style operators, they are
Euler-style operators. Euler ODEs have the general form [ r2∂r2 + a r ∂r + b] f(r) = 0, and the solutions
have this form ( from p 45 of Polyanin's excellent ODE compendium, or just use Maple),
For Ez(r,m) the equation (D.1.15)ext shown just above is in fact an Euler equation which has a = 1 and
b = -m2 so μ = m and the solution forms are these (r ≥a outside the wire),
Ez(r,m) = Amrm + Bmr-m m>0

Ez(r,0) = Czln(r) + Dz m=0 . (D.7.1)
351
Since z is a Cartesian coordinate, [∇22DE]z = 0 is the same as ∇22DEz = 0 which is just the 2D Laplace
equation. When this equation is solved in polar coordinates (r,θ), one finds Ez = Ez(r,m) ejmθ and the
expressions shown above are the standard atomic forms for the radial function. See for example Stakgold
Vol II p 92 (6.7) and following discussion.
We can mimic our interior solution method presented in Section D.2 above, using the div E = 0 equation
to eliminate Eθ, and eventually end up with expressions for the three field components outside the wire.
For m > 1 the general form for the exterior solution is found to be,
Ez(r,m) = Am rm + Bm r-m
1 1
Er(r,m) = -(jk/2) m-1 Bm r1-m - 2j k m2-1 Am r1+m + Cm rm-1 + Dm r-m-1
1 1-m m2+ 2m+3

jEθ(r,m) = (jk/2) m-1 Bm r + j k m(m2-1) Am r1+m - Cm rm-1 + Dm r-m-1 (D.7.2)
where there are now four constants Am, Bm, Cm and Dm to be determined in each partial wave. One could
match the three E-field boundary conditions at r = a as per (1.1.51) (subscript d means dielectric)
Ez(a,m) = Ezd(a,m)
ξ Er(a,m) = ξd Erd(a,m)
jEθ(a,m) = jEθd(a,m) (D.7.3)
using the interior solutions shown in (D.2.33) where Eθ(a,m) = 0. This gives 3 conditions on the 4
unknown constants so these boundary conditions can be met.
The problem with this exterior solution method is that more information is needed to solve the
problem. The "Smythian Form" solution (D.7.2) is fine, but it only applies inside a thick cylindrical shell
(blue) whose inner diameter is r = a and whose outer diameter is r = b, where b causes this shell to touch
the nearest other conductor, as illustrated here,
Fig D.3
The reason is that the dielectric E-field wave (Helmholtz) equation is not valid inside the "other
conductor", so the form (D.7.2) cannot apply in a region which includes any of this other conductor. Since
the blue shell region does not include r = ∞, one cannot rule out coefficients like Am and Cm. One is now
stuck worrying about boundary conditions at r = b and the whole problem becomes intractable. But if one
could find the complete exact exterior solution, one would find that inside the blue cylindrical shell the
solution's partial wave fields would have the form shown in (D.7.2).
352
Reader Exercise:
(a) Verify (D.7.2).
(b) In Chapter 6 a transmission line with two round conductors is solved "exactly". Convert the solution
to a coordinate system like that shown above, compute the Ei(r,m) using (D.1.3b), and verify that these
Ei field components fit into the form shown in (D.7.2).
D.8 About the boundary condition Eθ(a,m) = 0
We start with a quick review.
In earlier sections of this Appendix we examined the electric field inside a round wire (radius a) which
was regarded as a conductor in an infinite straight transmission line. The electric field was assumed to
have the form of a longitudinal wave traveling down the conductor,
E(r,θ,z,t) = ej(ωt-kz) E(r,θ) , (D.1.1)
where k is the wavenumber parameter of the surrounding dielectric medium. We expanded the function
E(r,θ) onto azimuthal partial waves ejmθ and solved the Helmholtz wave equation inside the wire with
solutions as shown in box (D.2.21),
Km
Ez(r,m) = - j (β'/k) 2 Jm(x) x = β'r (D.1.27)
Km
Er(r,m) = am x-1 Jm(x) + 2 Jm+1(x) . (D.2.11)
Km am
jEθ(r,m) = - am x-1 Jm(x) + ( 2 + m ) Jm+1(x) . (D.2.15)
where β'2 = β2-k2 with β being the (complex) wavenumber parameter of the conductor, and where am and
Km are undetermined constants.
At this point we applied the two boundary conditions, assuming a non-conducting dielectric,
Er(r=a,m) = (jω/σ) Nm (D.2.26)

Eθ(r=a,m) = 0 . (D.2.27)
where Nm is the mth partial wave moment of the surface charge n(θ) distribution, where
n(θ,z,t) = ej(ωt-kz) n(θ) . (D.1.4)
These conditions determined the constants am and Km giving the resulting E field inside the wire,
353
Jm(x) Jm(x) Nm
Ez(r,m) = (1/4) ηm I Rdc (aβ') [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] a = radius ηm ≡ N (D.2.33)
m+1 a m-1 a 0
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
Er(r,m) = (j/4) ηm I Rdc (ak) [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] x = β'r
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
Eθ(r,m) = (1/4) ηm I Rdc (ak) [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] xa = β'a
m+1 a m-1 a
where Rdc = 1/(πa2σ) is the DC resistance of the wire per unit length, and I is the amplitude of the current
in the wire. Everything is an implicit function of frequency ω. It was noted that, for |k/β'| << 1, the fields
Er and Eθ are much smaller than Ez, and this is the case for f ~ 100 GHz or below (but not too small).
An implication of the solution is that the E fields inside the wire for each partial wave are described
by a single parameter Nm which is the surface charge moment noted above. If the other transmission line
conductor(s) were to change their position relative to the round wire and/or to vary their cross sectional
shape, the only effect this would have would be to adjust the set of parameters Nm, and the solutions
would still be given by (D.2.33) quoted above. Although the set {Nm} is infinite, it seems likely that for
reasonable shapes of the other conductor(s), the lowest few Nm partial waves would provide a good
approximation to the E fields inside the wire. Since Ohm's Law is assumed to apply inside the wire, one
then knows in detail the current densities Jz, Jr and Jz. The magnetic field B inside the wire is then also
known and was calculated above. The lowest moment is always N0 = (k/2πωa) I from (D.2.31b).
As an example, the following five-conductor transmission line might be expected to have a strong m
= 2 quadrupole surface charge moment N2,
Fig D.4
A critical ingredient of our solution is the assumption that Eθ(r=a,m) = 0 and that is the subject now
addressed. We present two somewhat different arguments as to why Eθ(r=a,m) = 0. It should be noted
that King in his Transmission-Line Theory book always assumes that any straight transmission line
conductor cross section has an equipotential surface (a ring, see for example middle p 14, top 15, 25
bottom). Due to the presence of small transverse vector potential components, Eθ= 0 and "equipotential"
for the scalar potential φ are not the same thing.
(a) The Quasi-Static Argument
In electrostatics, we are used to metal surfaces being equipotentials. For example, if we put a point charge
q near a metal sphere, it induces a surface charge on that sphere. The electric field lines land on the sphere
exactly perpendicular to the surface. One argues that if there were even some tiny E field component
tangential to the surface, the surface charges would adjust their position to cancel out that tangential field.
354
Since the situation is static, any adjustment has already been made. Since Etan = 0, the sphere's surface is
an equipotential surface.
If we were to then slowly move the charge q around (perhaps it rotates in a circle around the sphere),
the surface charge instantly adjusts at each new position of q, and those E field lines remain perpendicular
to the surface, and Etan = 0. While the charges are adjusting position, there is admittedly some very tiny
surface current driven by some tiny Etan , but if we move the charge slowly, we are "quasi-static" and the
approximation Etan ≈ 0 is very good. One might compare the time constant of the moving sphere (T, the
period of q's revolution around the sphere) to the time constant of the surface charge adjustment. For
copper the time constant is roughly the mean electron collision time which is on the order of 10-14 sec.
The conclusion here is that for frequencies << 1014 Hz (100,000 GHz), the quasi-static situation prevails
and then Etan ≈ 0 is a very good approximation.
This then is our first argument for why we claim the boundary condition Eθ = 0 on the surface of the
round wire in a transmission line operating at a typical frequency.
We note from our solution Eθ(r,m) that if we assume Eθ(a,m) = 0 on the round wire surface, we will
still have Eθ(r,m) ≠ 0 inside the wire. This fact is consistent with our argument above since there are no
free charges available to adjust themselves inside the wire.
However: if Eθ = 0 by this quasi-static argument, then we should expect that Ez = 0 by the same
argument, since Ez is also a tangential field at the round wire surface, and since Ez operates at the same
frequency ω as Eθ. But we know that Ez ≠ 0 because Jz ≠ 0 just below the wire surface -- there is current
flowing there -- and Ez is continuous through the surface by (1.1.51). So the E field lines are not quite
perpendicular to the round wire surface in the z direction. This is not too surprising since we expect
everything to vary in the z direction as ej(ωt-kz) so we would expect the surface not to be an
equipotential in this direction.
But what happened to that quasi-static argument we just applied to Eθ ? What happened is that there
is external field activity associated with the wave going down the line which forces Ez ≠ 0. One might say
the EM wave traveling down the line induces a Jz in the round wire, with its associated Ez ≠ 0. But then
perhaps this same thing could somehow happen with Eθ and then our quasi-static argument that Eθ = 0
collapses. We think this could happen in fact, but only if the transmission line is driven by an apparatus
which creates a "torsion wave" in the line. For example, the apparatus could drive counter-rotating
azimuthal currents onto the round wire surfaces of a twin-lead transmission line as suggested by this
picture (which is not meant to imply that other field components vanish),
Fig D.5
355
It seems from our work above that such a wave would satisfy Maxwell's equations and be a viable mode
of the transmission line. In this case, Eθ≠ 0 because the EM wave going down the line forces Eθ ≠ 0, just
as the normal wave forces Ez ≠ 0.
We have not investigated whether this type of torsion wave is really viable. Whether or not it is, we
assume in our transmission line discussion that this mode is not activated and that therefore the quasi-
static argument for Eθ = 0 is valid at the round wire surface.
(b) An Ansatz Argument
We make an ansatz that Er,Eθ << Ez in our round wire E field solution, perhaps based on an expectation
that most current in the wire will be longitudinal. We assume this is true, and see if this assumption is
born out in a final solution of Maxwell's equations. Given that Eθ is then very small, we can make an
approximation (another ansatz) that this field Eθ is exactly zero on the surface of the round wire. This
may not be exactly true, but again we assume it for our purposes and see where it leads. This is the nature
of an "ansatz".
When we make this assumption, the cross section of the transmission line may be regarded (Chapter
5) as a two dimensional potential theory problem -- basically a capacitor problem where one conductor
has potential V/2 and the other -V/2, say (for a symmetric line, at some fixed value of z). In such a
potential problem, one always assumes that the electrostatic potential φ is a constant on the surface of
each conductor, and that is precisely what our ansatz says: Eθ = -(∇φ)θ = 0, φ = constant in the θ
direction. Now when we solve the capacitor problem for potential φ, that gives E = - ∇φ in the dielectric
between the conductors, and from that we may deduce E • ^ n at the surface of one of the conductors. For
the round wire with a cylindrical coordinate system whose axis is aligned with the wire center, that field
is Er. Next, from this surface value of Er (which will be proportional to V) we may compute the surface
charge density n(θ) on the round wire using (D.2.24) which says Er(r=a,θ) = (jω/σ) n(θ). For a "fat" twin
lead transmission line for example we expect this to have a bulge in n(θ) on the side of the wire facing the
other wire (m = 1, dipole), since that is what happens in such a capacitor. In any event, given n(θ) we may
compute the moments Nm of the surface charge using (D.1.5b) and this then provides one "boundary
condition" on our coefficients am and Km which appear in all the field expressions we found above,
Er(r=a,m) = (jω/σ) Nm . (D.2.26)
But recall that, in order to carry out this entire process just described, we had to start with the assumption
that Eθ = 0 on the conductor cross section surface, so that we could have a capacitor problem in the first
place. According to (D.1.3b), if Eθ(r=a,θ) = 0, then Eθ(r=a,m) = 0, so that in fact we must have Er(a,m)
being zero in all partial waves m. Thus our assumed ansatz condition is
Eθ(r=a,m) = 0 (D.2.27)
which is then a second boundary condition on am and Km. Although (D.2.27) might not be exactly true, we
know it is very close to being true. More importantly, we know that the above two conditions on am and
Km are consistent with each other, even though both boundary conditions might be slightly wrong. We
then expect them to give good values for constants am and Km.
356
Using these "perhaps slightly wrong" boundary conditions, we obtain the solutions shown in (D.2.33).
It has already been noted above that for copper conductors and normal dielectrics, |k/β'| << 1 up to at least
100 GHz. The condition |k/β'| << 1 when applied to the (D.2.33) results shows that in fact our ansatz that
Er,Eθ << Ez is born out.
There are three footnotes to the above discussion.
First, we note that the second boundary condition does not force Eθ(r,m) = 0 for r < a inside the wire.
In fact, there will be some small azimuthal "swirling" current inside the wire even if Eθ(r=a,m) = 0, and
this is just a result of Maxwell's equations and their solutions above.
Second, one might make the argument that the round wire surface is an equipotential since that is the
way a line is driven at the source. For example, the center conductor of a coaxial cable plugs into a tiny
driving cylinder (jack) in a BNC connector and this drives only the wire surface, and it does so in an
azimuthally symmetric way so that one expects to have the wire surface be an equipotential at the driving
point; this equipotential surface then moves down the line as the wave progresses.
Third, we have the complication that we don't really have a purely electrostatic situation, and the
potential is in fact related to E by equation (1.3.1) which says E = - ∇φ - ∂tA . The rescue here comes by
claiming that roughly A ≈ Az ^ so that the transverse components Ar and Aθ are very small. In this case,
we then do get E ≈ -∇φ so that Eθ = 0 is associated with constant φ on the wire surface. The argument for
A ≈ Az^ is that A is driven by J, and J is mostly in the ^
z direction, which in turn is related to our starting
ansatz (see Appendix M).
D.9 About the boundary condition Er(a,θ) = (jω/σ) n(θ) .
The "charge pumping boundary condition" appears in (D.2.23) and here we want to examine it more
closely. Our concern is that the derivation of (D.2.23) ignores surface currents that we know exist on the
surface of a transmission line conductor as the surface charge moves around in response to tangential E
fields. The first issue then is to define and quantify the nature of these surface currents.
(a) The notion of Debye Surface Currents
We continue in the context of our classical treatment of the conductor surface. In Appendix E it is pointed
out that the surface charge on a transmission line conductor exists in an incredibly thin surface layer we
shall call the Debye layer for want of a better name. For copper the thickness λD of this layer is on the
order of one atomic radius. In addition to the normal conduction electrons, this thin layer contains extra
free electrons that are piled up just below the surface (negative surface charge) or are depleted from this
thin region (positive surface charge), as shown by the red curve in Fig E.1. We want first so show :
Fact 1: In a good conductor, the volume density of free electron carriers piled up at a surface (to make up
the surface charge) is negligible compared to the volume density of conduction electrons. (D.9.1)
Proof: From (E.7) the free charge density in the Debye layer (assume x is the inward surface normal
direction) is given by ρ(x) = ρ(0) e-x/λD . The effective free surface charge n is then given by
∫0 ∫0
∞ ∞
n= dx ρ(x) = ρ(0) dx e-x/λD = ρ(0)λD .
357
The free electron density ne is then (n is the surface charge density)
ne = ρ(0)/e = n / (eλD) .
As a typical example, consider a parallel plate capacitor with close plate spacing s. The E field in the gap
is E = V/s and the surface charge density from (1.1.47) is n = εE = εV/s. For V = 10 volts and s = 1 mm
we find
n = ε0V/s = 8.85 x 10-12 * 10 / 10-3 ≈ 101-12+1+3 = 10-7 Coul/m2 .
Then the free electron density is
ne = n / (eλD) ≈ 10-7 Cou/m2 / [ 1.6 x 10-19 Coul * 10-10 m]
≈ 0.6 * 10-7+19+10 ≈ 1022 electrons/m3
As noted in (N.1.2), in copper the conduction electron density (one electron per atom) is 1029 /m3, QED.
Corollary: The conductivity σD inside the Debye layer is basically the same as σ outside that layer.
(D.9.2)
Proof: From (N.1.9) conductivity is σ = (nq2τ/m) where n is the electron density. The Fact above shows
that this density is the same in the Debye layer as in the bulk conductor, so σD = σ. (We ignore the
possibility that the collision time τ could differ in the Debye layer vs. in the bulk volume. ) QED
Consider now this crude drawing which shows a tiny slice of width dx of a piece of a transmission line
conductor cross section at its surface. The yellow Debye surface charge layer is greatly exaggerated in
thickness and is modeled as if it had a clean lower boundary. Recall from the comment below Fig E.2 that
at 100 GHz one has δ ≈ 4000 λD so δ >> λD at all frequencies of transmission line interest.
Fig D.6
The Debye layer holds the surface charge, and when this surface charge moves, one has a Debye surface
current. We now show :
358
Fact 2: The total current in the Debye layer is negligible compared to that in the skin effect layer.
(D.9.3)
Proof: The field Ez is parallel to the conductor surface, so we know from (1.1.41) that it is continuous
through the boundary at the bottom of the Debye layer. Then the ratio of the currents in the two layers is,
ID JzD λd dx σDEzD λd σ D Ez λ D λD λD
δ = δ = δ = ≈ 1 * 1 * = δ << 1 . QED
I Jz δ dx σEz δ σ Ez δ δ
(b) The role of Debye Surface Currents in the boundary condition
Now referring to the Debye surface currents as KzD and KθD we reconsider the derivation of the charge
pumping boundary condition of (D.2.24) where we had this figure,
Fig D.2
If we include the Debye surface currents in the θ and z direction in our application of continuity,
div J = - jωρ ⇔ -jω[∫V ρ dV] = ∫S J • dS , (D.2.22)
the result is
-jω n(θ,z) = - Jr(r=a-ε, θ, z) + ∂zKz(θ,z) +(1/a) ∂θKθ(θ,z) (D.9.4)
where we assume that the dielectric outside the round wire is vacuum with σd = 0. The gaussian box
selected here is that shown in red in Fig D.6. The bottom face lies below the Debye layer so Jr(a-ε, θ, z) is
the value of Jr in the normal skin effect region close to the surface. The Debye surface currents may be
written approximately as
KzD = JzD λD = σDEzD λD = σ Ez(r=a,θ) λD // dim(K) = amp/m
KθD = JθD λD = σDEθD λD = σ Eθ(r=a,θ) λD = 0 // (D.9.2) and (3.7.0) (D.9.5)
where we use the Corollary above that σD = σ. From (3.7.0) we have Eθ = 0 at the surface so KθD = 0 and
we have only the Debye current KzD to worry about. Recall that Eθ(a,θ) = 0 is the second boundary
359
condition (D.2.27) used in Section D.2 to evaluate the am and Km coefficients, and that this condition is
itself a topic of interest in Section D.8, and we assume it is valid. We then have,
-jω n(θ,z) = - Jr(a,θ,z) + ∂zKzD(θ,z)
= - Jr(a,θ,z) + ∂z [σ Ez(a,θ,z) λD] (D.9.6)
Assuming everything has z dependence ej(ωt-kz) as in (D.1.4), we replace ∂z → -jk and then suppress
the z arguments to get
-jω n(θ) = - Jr(a,θ) -jk [σ Ez(a,θ) λD]
= - σEr(a,θ) -jk [σ Ez(a,θ) λD]

Ez(a,θ)
= - σEr(a,θ)[ 1 - jkλD E (a,θ) ] . (D.9.7)
r
If we assume that the second term in (D.9.7) can be ignored, we get the charge pumping boundary
condition
Er(r=a-ε,θ) = (jω/σ) n(θ) (D.2.24) (D.9.8)
which in return yields the E fields as stated in (D.2.33) where we see that roughly
Ez(a,θ) β
Er(a,θ) ~ | k| . (D.9.9)
Thus, our self-consistent condition for ignoring the second term in (D.9.7) is
Ez(a,θ) β
k λD * E (a,θ) << 1 ⇔ k λD * | k | << 1
r
⇔ λD |β| << 1 ⇔ λD | ej3π/4 ( 2 /δ)| << 1
⇔ (λD/δ) << 1 ⇔ (δ/λd) >> 1 // ignore 2
But we know from above that (δ/λd) >> 1 for any f < 100GHz, so for such f the second term in (D.9.7)
can in fact be ignored. We have just proven:
Fact 3: For f < 100 GHz, the Debye surface currents can be ignored in the derivation of the boundary
condition Er(a-ε,θ) = (jω/σ) n(θ) . (D.9.10)
360
(c) Where does surface charge n(θ) come from?
According to our traveling-wave ansatz (D.1.1), all E field related quantities move down a transmission
line at vd as ej(ωt-kz). For a low-loss line and a vacuum dielectric, vd ≈ c, the speed of light. Therefore,
n(θ,z,t) = n(θ,0,0) ej(ωt-kz) k = (ω/vd) . (D.9.11)
One can ponder and then discard a list of hypotheses concerning where n(θ) "comes from" as it increases
and decreases over time at some location z on one of the conductors.
The first hypothesis might be that the individual electrons which make up n(θ) simply travel at vd in
the z direction down the conductor surface, and n(θ) is not fed by any radial currents inside the conductor.
In this case one would have KzD(θ) = vd n(θ). But we know this is not what happens. Apart from the
massive energy required to achieve relativistic electron velocities, we know from Appendix N.1 that the
electrons in the Debye layer in fact drift along at something like ~ 1 mm/sec, just as do the regular
conduction electrons in the conductor bulk.
The second hypothesis is a variation of the first, where we now allow that the Debye surface current
works like any other conduction current, and when one electron moves "to the right" at some point z, a
distant electron at z+L moves to the right at nearly the same time, all electrons in a long string moving to
the right one position, giving the illusion that a particular electron moved very fast. This does in fact
happen, and if it were all that happened, again we would have KzD(θ) = vd n(θ).
Comment : Assume some skin depth δ ≤ a/10 so the bulk current is flowing in a sheath of thickness δ just
under the conductor surface. The total sheath current is then roughly 2πaδJz(a,θ). We can regard this
current flow as due to an effective "full surface current" Kz = Jz δ. Notice that this "surface current" is
different from the "Debye surface current". Based on Fact 2 above, we certainly expect Kz >> KzD .
A third hypothesis is that somehow n(θ,z,t) is fed by azimuthal Debye surface currents, or some
combination of these along with the z-directed KzD(θ). Our condition (3.7.0) that Eθ = 0 puts a stop to the
possibility of feeding by azimuthal Debye surface currents.
What we have learned from Fact 3 is that none of the above hypotheses explains where n(θ) comes from.
The analysis above shows that, although the surface motions of the Debye surface charges do create
Debye surface currents, these currents are so small that they play no role in div J = -∂tρ for the Gaussian
box shown in red in Fig D.6. The charge n(θ) "comes from" inside the wire and is fed by the radial current
density Jr just below the surface according to (D.2.24),
Jr(r=a-ε,θ) = jω n(θ) n(θ) = (1/jω) Jr(a-ε,θ) (D.9.12)
Here is a suggestive picture,
361
Fig D.7
where the white boxes are little "radial charge pumps" delivering the required Jr needed to feed the
changing surface charge n(θ). Apart from the miniscule KzD , charges in n(θ) don't move in the z direction
in this picture, they just appear to be doing that due to the choreographed radial pumping in and out at the
wire surface. A wave front of the n(θ) wave travels at vd, and this is just a phase velocity. In an analogous
situation, in a deep ocean wave the individual particles of water travel in small ellipses and do not travel
along with the wave, though there are small scale longitudinal motions due to those ellipses.
Comment: In our transmission line theory, the exterior problem in the dielectric is solved using the
capacitor method, from which one learns n(θ). The boundary condition Jr(r=a-ε,θ) = jω n(θ) couples this
exterior information into the wire interior, allowing one to solve for the fields and currents inside.
In Section 6.5 (d) we show how div E = 0 inside the conductor (or div J = 0) forces a relationship
between Jr and Jz just below the conductor surface. When that relationship (6.5.18) is combined with the
charge pumping boundary condition (D.9.8), one finds that
Ez(a,θ) = (-jω/σ) (β/k) n(θ) (6.5.19)

or
Jz(a,θ) = (-jω) (β/k) n(θ) . (D.9.13)
This same result is obtained in a different manner as (6.5.13).
The "full surface current" Kz was defined in a Comment above as Kz(θ) = δ Jz(a,θ). Thus,
Kz(θ) = δ Jz(a,θ) = [δ (-jω) (β/k)] n(θ) (D.9.14)
But
j3π/4
β e ( 2 /δ)
k = ω/vd
so
ej3π/4 ( 2 /δ)
[δ (-jω) (β/k)] = δ (-jω) ω/vd = -j ej3π/4 2 vd
= -j (j-1)/ 2 * 2 vd = (1+j) vd
362
and we end up with
Kz(θ) = (1+j) vd n(θ)
Re(Kz(θ)) = Im(Kz(θ)) = vd n(θ) (D.9.15)
Once again, this last equation gives the illusion that the surface charge density n(θ) moves "to the right" at
speed vd to create the real or imaginary part of the full δ-thick surface current Kz. This is the equation that
replaces the incorrect equation KzD(θ) = vd n(θ) which assumes there is no radial charge pumping.
Reader Exercise: Show using F = ma and F = qE (ignore magnetic fields) that, with a time-harmonic E
field, a classical electron inside a transmission line conductor traverses a tiny elliptical path and thus
never really goes anywhere. That path is traversed once per period T= 2π/ω. Mathematically, show that
this amounts to proving that the three equations
x = Acos(ωt-a)
y = Bcos(ωt-b)
z = Ccos(ωt-c)
are parametric equations for an ellipse with some orientation in 3D space. As just noted above, this goes-
nowhere aspect of the electron is similar to what happens with a droplet of water in an ocean wave. (Hint:
first show that the first two equations describe an ellipse in the xy plane and that the semi-major axes in
general are not A and B .)
363
(d) Modifications for a Conducting Dielectric
Ignoring the Debye surface currents as per section (b) above, if the dielectric has some conductivity σd,
the charge pumping boundary condition (D.2.23) becomes
Jr(a-α,θ) - Jr(a+α,θ) = jω n(θ)

or
σ Er(a-α,θ) - σdEr(a+α,θ) = jω n(θ) // this is div J = -jωρ
where α > 0 is a tiny distance (ε is already used for dielectric constant). Another boundary condition at the
surface is provided by (1.1.47) which says ( ^n points into medium 1 which is the dielectric)
[ε1En1 - ε2En2] = nfree // this is continuity of Dn at the surface

or
[εdEr1 - ε0Er2] = n(θ) // assuming ε0 for the conductor
or
[εd Er(a+α,θ) - ε0 Er(a-α,θ)] = n(θ) .
A seeming third boundary condition is (1.1.48),
ξ1En1 = ξ2En2
or
(εd + σd/jω) Erd = (ε0 + σ/jω) Er ≈ (σ/jω) Er
or
(εd + σd/jω) Er(a+α,θ) ≈ (σ/jω) Er(a-α,θ) .
There seem then to be three boundary conditions at the round wire surface,
σ Er(a-α,θ) - σdEr(a+α,θ) = jω n(θ) // modified cpbc from div J = -jωρ (D.9.16)
εd Er(a+α,θ) - ε0 Er(a-α,θ) = n(θ) // div D = ρ (straddle) (D.9.17)
(εd + σd/jω) Er(a+α,θ) ≈ (σ/jω) Er(a-α,θ) // ξ1En1 = ξ2En2 (D.9.18)
but only two of these conditions are independent. For example, multiply (D.9.16) by (-1/jω) to get
(σd/jω)Er(a+α,θ) - (σ/jω) Er(a-α,θ) = - n(θ) .
Adding this to (D.9.17) then gives
(εd + σd/jω) Er(a+α,θ) - (σ/jω) Er(a-α,θ) = 0
which is in fact the same as (D.9.18).
364
When we solve the "capacitor problem" as in Section 6.5 (a) to obtain n(θ) on the round conductor
surface, we are using (D.9.17) with the assumption that Er(a+α,θ) >> Er(a-α,θ). Typically one just says
that in a good conductor Er(a-α,θ) = 0 and then n(θ) = εd Er(a+α,θ). That is fine, but it is not clear what
happens to (D.9.16) above. The first term is the product of a large quantity σ times a small quantity Er(a-
α,θ) so can be the same size as the other terms in the equation.
The resolution is provided by the discussion in Section 1.5 (c) where we encountered the equation
(1.5.17)
nc(x,ω) = (ξ1/ε1) ns(x,ω) (1.5.17)
which in our current context (1 = dielectric) becomes
nc(θ) = (ξd/εd) n(θ) . (D.9.19)
In that discussion it is noted that n(θ) is the actual free surface charge density, whereas nc(θ) is a related
"transport charge density" having the same dimensions as n(θ). If we multiply (D.9.16) and (D.9.17) by
(ξd/εd), our (redundant) triplet of boundary conditions becomes,
1 σ (ξd/εd) Er(a-α,θ) - σd (ξd/εd) Er(a+α,θ) = jω nc(θ)

2 ξd Er(a+α,θ) - (ξd/εd) ε0 Er(a-α,θ) = nc(θ)
3 ξd Er(a+α,θ) ≈ ξ Er(a-α,θ) . (D.9.20)
We now use the last of these three equations to eliminate Er(a+α,θ) in the first, which then becomes
σ (ξd/εd) Er(a-α,θ) - σd (ξ/εd) Er(a-α,θ) = jω nc(θ)

or
[ σ ξd - σd ξ ]/εd * Er(a-α,θ) = jω nc(θ)
or
[ σ (εd + σd/jω) - σd (ε0 + σ/jω) ]/εd * Er(a-α,θ) = jω nc(θ)
or
[ (σ εd - σdε0)]/εd * Er(a-α,θ) = jω nc(θ) // two large terms cancelled
or
[ σ - σd(ε0/εd) ] Er(a-α,θ) = jω nc(θ) .
Assume now that ε0 (conductor) and εd (dielectric) are the same order of magnitude, and assume that,
even though the dielectric conducts, one still has σ >> σd . The last equation then reads
Er(a-α,θ) = (jω/σ) nc(θ) = (jω/σ) (ξd/εd) n(θ) // θ space (D.9.21)

Er(a-α,m) = (jω/σ) (ξd/εd) Nm . // m space (D.9.22)
Above are the "modified" charge pumping boundary conditions which replace (D.2.24) and (D.2.25)
for a mildly conducting dielectric,
365
Er(r=a,θ) = (jω/σ) n(θ) (D.2.24)

Er(r=a,m) = (jω/σ) Nm . (D.2.25)
How then does σd ≠ 0 alter the E field results summarized in box (D.2.33)? The rule is this:
Nm → Nm' ≡ (ξd/εd) Nm everywhere . (D.9.23)
Here we use a prime to denote a parameter after the dielectric DC conductivity has been "turned on", and
no prime for the case that Gdc = 0 = σd.
But there is another change which must not be overlooked. Although k is treated as a generic constant in
Appendix D, we will eventually be setting k to a specific value k(ω) which is determined by activity in
the dielectric, which in turn is affected by the dielectric conductance,
k = k(ω) ≡ -j zy = -j [R(ω)+jωL(ω)][G(ω)+jωC(ω)] , (5.3.6)
where the four parameters are as given in the simple model of (Q.1.9). In particular, C(ω) = C, a constant,
whereas G(ω) = Gdc + C tanLω, so one may write ( since tanL << 1),
k(ω) = -j [R(ω)+jωL(ω)][ Gdc + C tanLω + jωC]
≈ -j [R(ω)+jωL(ω)][ Gdc+jωC] (D.9.24)
which shows the traditional dependence on Gdc and C. The combination Gdc + jωC may be interpreted in
terms of the complex capacitance C' where Gdc + jωC = jωC' as in the line below (1.5.20). Then
k(ω) = -j [R(ω)+jωL(ω)][ jωC'] . (D.9.25)
Thus one can write,
k' = -j [R(ω)+jωL(ω)][ jωC'] // Gdc > 0 (D.9.26a)
k = -j [R(ω)+jωL(ω)][ jωC] . // Gdc = 0 (D.9.26b)
The point is that the value of k changes when Gdc is turned on. The k ratio is then
k' C'
k = C = ξd/εd (D.9.27)
where the ξd/εd factor follows from (1.5.19).
Here then is an improved statement of the Rule for how things change when the dielectric conductivity is
turned on:
366
Nm → Nm' ≡ (ξd/εd) Nm
k → k' ≡ ξd/εd k
C → C' = (ξd/εd) C . (D.9.28)

C' Gdc + jωC (Gdc/C) (σd/εd)
where (ξd/εd) = C = jωC = 1 + jω = 1 + jω // see (4.4.10)
For example, consider (D.1.8) in its form for Gdc = 0 [recall I = 2πa (ω/k) N0 from (D.2.31a) ],
N0 = <n(θ)> = q/(2πa) = CV/(2πa) => I = CV (ω/k) . (D.1.8)
Here n = ns and q = qs which are the surface charge and its cross section integral, so the above really says
N0 = <ns(θ)> = qs/(2πa) = CV/(2πa) => I = CV (ω/k) . (D.1.8)
When Gdc > 0, the surface charges become their "transport charge" alter egos,
ns → n' = nc = (ξd/εd)ns // (1.5.17)

qs → q' = qc = (ξd/εd)qs // integral of the above (D.9.29)
and then (D.1.8) becomes
N0' = <nc(θ)> = qc/(2πa) = C'V/(2πa) => I' = C'V (ω/k') (D.1.8)

or
(ξd/εd)N0 = (ξd/εd) <ns(θ)> = (ξd/εd) qs/(2πa) = (ξd/εd) C V/(2πa)
ω
=> I' = C'V (ω/k') = (ξd/εd) C V = CV (ω/k) ξd/εd = I ξd/εd (D.9.30)
ξd/εd k
and we find that the total current increases by this ratio when Gdc is turned on,
I'
I = ξd/εd . (D.9.31)
A more direct path to this conclusion is the following, again using (D.2.31a) that I = 2πa (ω/k) N0 :
I = 2πa (ω/k) N0
ω ω
→ I' = 2πa (ω/k') N0' = 2πa (ξd/εd) N0 = ξd/εd 2πa k N0 = ξd/εd I . (D.9.32)
ξd/εd k
As a simple verification of this claim, consider the Gdc "turn on" viewed from this perspective,
367
jωC
I = V/Z0 where 1/Z0 = R + jωL (D.9.33a)
Gdc + jωC jωC'

I' = V/Z0' where 1/Z0' = R + jωL = R + jωL (D.9.33b)
z R + jωL
where in general Z0 = = G + jωC as in (4.12.18). From (D.9.33) we must have
y
I' jωC' C'

I = jωC = C = ξd/εd
which agrees with (D.9.31) above.
Now consider the Appendix D E fields from (D.2.33) as stated for Gdc = 0 :
1
Jm(x) Jm(x)
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
m+1 a m-1 a
I = 2πa (ω/k) N0 = C V (ω/k) (D.2.31a) and (D.1.8) Gdc = 0
When Gdc is turned on, the fields are instead given by [ taking I→I' and k→k' and C → C' ]
1
Second summary of the E field solutions : Rdc = σπa2 β'2 = β2 - k'2 (D.9.34)
Jm(x) Jm(x)
Ez(r,m) = (1/4) ηm I' Rdc (aβ') fm fm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] x = β'r
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
Er(r,m) = (j/4) ηm I' Rdc (ak') gm gm = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] xa = β'a
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
Eθ(r,m) = (1/4) ηm I' Rdc (ak') hm hm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ]
m+1 a m-1 a
I' = 2πa (ω/k') N0' = C' V (ω/k') (D.2.31a) and (D.1.8) Gdc > 0
368
It is convenient to express everything in terms of k', so we use
I' = C' V (ω/k') = (ξd/εd) CV (ω/k')
to rewrite the above box as
1
Second summary of the E field solutions : Rdc = σπa2 β'2 = β2 - k'2 (D.9.35)
Jm(x) Jm(x)
Ez(r,m) = (1/4) (ξd/εd) ηm CV Rdc (ω/k') (aβ') fm fm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] x = β'r
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
Er(r,m) = (j/4) (ξd/εd) ηm CV Rdc (ωa) gm gm = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] xa = β'a
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
Eθ(r,m) = (1/4) (ξd/εd) ηm CV Rdc (ωa) hm hm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] Gdc > 0
m+1 a m-1 a
Then to get back to Gdc = 0, one replaces (ξd/εd) → 1 and k' → k. Because k' appears as part of β' and β'
appears in x and xa and these are Bessel function arguments, one cannot simply say that the Ei fields are
scaled up by the factor (ξd/εd) when the DC conductivity of the dielectric is turned on. This is the case,
however, when |k'| << |β| which is the situation for large ω (see (D.2.2) and following text).
Since the same factors appear repeatedly, we shall now define
B ≡ (ξd/εd) CV Rdc = C' V Rdc . // dim(B) = tesla (D.9.36)
Now in our application of the above fields, we will always be using the symbol k with the understanding
that k = k(ω) = with Gdc present or absent as appropriate, In this light we do a final rewrite, discarding the
prime on k', but keeping it in mind:
1
Jm(x) Jm(x)
Ez(r,m) = (1/4) ηm B (ωa) (β'/k) fm fm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] x = β'r xa = β'a
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
Er(r,m) = (j/4) ηm B (ωa) gm gm = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] B ≡ (ξd/εd) CV Rdc
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
Eθ(r,m) = (1/4) ηm B (ωa) hm hm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] G≥0
m+1 a m-1 a
This form of the E fields is valid for Gdc ≥ 0 if we interpret k properly and set (ξd/εd) = 1 for Gdc= 0.
In this form, one gets the misleading impression that all E fields are simply scaled up by the factor (ξd/εd),
when Gdc is turned on, but this is just an artifact of our notation due to the nature of k.
369
The B field expressions shown in (D.4.13) may be generalized in the same manner as the E fields: take
I → I' = (ξd/εd) CV (ω/k') and then notationally replace k' by k. For example,
I Rdc → I'Rdc = (ξd/εd) CVRdc (ω/k') = B (ω/k') → B (ω/k) . (D.9.38)
One sees that this rule converts the E fields in (D.4.13) to those in (D.9.37). Applying this rule to both the
E and B fields of (D.9.37) gives this final result
Ez(r,m) = (1/4) ηm B (ω/k) (aβ') fm x = β'r xa = β'a β'2 = β2 - k2

Er(r,m) = (j/4) ηm B (ωa) gm
Eθ(r,m) = (1/4) ηm B (ωa) hm B ≡ (ξd/εd) CV Rdc
Bz(r,m) = (j/4) (a) ηm B ( β' em ) (ξd/εd) = 1 + (G/jωC)

Br(r,m) = - (1/4) (a) ηm B (1/k) ( r-1m β' fm + k2 hm )
Bθ(r,m) = (j/4) (a) ηm B (1/k) ( k2 gm - β'2fm [ (m/x) - Jm+1(x)/Jm(x)] ) ηm = Nm/N0

m+1 a m-1 a m+1 a m-1 a
fm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] hm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] G≥0
m+1 a m-1 a m+1 a m-1 a
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D.10 High frequency limit of the round wire E fields
The box (D.9.39) above displays the round wire Ei and Bi field components in terms of functions em, fm,
gm and hm. Here we study first the symmetry under m↔-m of these functions, and then we evaluate them
at high frequency.
(a) Symmetry of em, fm, gm and hm and expansions for Ei(r,θ)
Although em does not appear in the E field expressions, it does in the B field ones so we include it here.
From NIST (10.4.1) we know that for integer m,
J-m(x) = (-1)mJm(x) . (D.10.1)
For fm one then has,
Jm(x) Jm(x)
fm = [ J (x ) - Jm-1(xa) ]
m+1 a
J-m(x) J-m(x) Jm(x) Jm(x)

f-m = [ J - J-m-1(xa) ] = - [ Jm-1(xa) - Jm+1(xa) ] = fm
-m+1(xa)
With em the result is the same:
Jm(x) Jm(x)
em = [ J (x ) + Jm-1(xa) ]
m+1 a
J-m(x) J-m(x) Jm(x) Jm(x)

e-m = [ J + J-m-1(xa) ] = - [ Jm-1(xa) + Jm+1(xa) ] = em
-m+1(xa)
And coefficients gm and hm have the same symmetry,
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
gm = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ]
m+1 a m-1 a
J-m+1(x) J-m-1(x) Jm-1(x) Jm+1(x)

g-m = [ J + ] = [ + Jm+1(xa) ] = gm
-m+1(xa) J-m-1(xa) Jm-1(xa)
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
hm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ]
m+1 a m-1 a
J-m+1(x) J-m-1(x) Jm-1(x) Jm+1(x) Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)

h-m = [ J - J ] = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] = - [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] = hm
-m+1(xa) -m-1(xa) m-1 a m+1 a m+1 a m-1 a
371
Thus we have shown that
e-m = em
f-m = fm
g-m = gm
h-m = hm . (D.10.2)
If the surface charge n(θ) happens to be even in θ, (D.1.7) shows that ηm = Nm/N0 = η-m. In this case, the
E field components in (r,θ) can be written as in (D.1.7),
∞
Ei(r,θ) = Ei(r,m=0) + 2 ∑ Ei(r,m) cos(mθ) (D.10.3)
m=1
Then for even n(θ) the E fields are, using (D.9.39) with B ≡ (ξd/εd) CV Rdc ,
Ez(r,θ) = (1/4) B (ωa) [ f0 + 2 Σm=1∞ fm ηm cos(mθ) ] (β'/k)
Er(r,θ) = (j/4) B (ωa) [ g0 + 2 Σm=1∞ gm ηm cos(mθ) ]
Eθ(r,θ) = (1/4) B (ωa) [ h0 + 2 Σm=1∞ hm ηm cos(mθ) ] . (D.10.4a)
For general n(θ) where ηm and η-m are no longer equal one has instead,
Ez(r,θ) = (1/4) B (ωa) [Σm=-∞∞ fm ηm ejmθ ] (β'/k)
Er(r,θ) = (j/4) B (ωa) [Σm=-∞∞ gm ηm ejmθ ]
Eθ(r,θ) = (1/4) B (ωa) [Σm=-∞∞ hm ηm ejmθ ] . (D.10.4b)
(b) High frequency evaluation of em, fm, gm and hm and the E fields
For large ω we can use the following expressions for β' and k :
β2 = -jωμσ (1.5.1d) for good conductor
k ≈ ω/vd = βd0 = ω LeC ≈ ω LC (Q.3.5)
β'2 = β2 - k2 ≈ -jωμσ - ω2LC .
Although the second term appears to win out here for large ω, for frequencies of interest to us the first
term is always much larger due to the large size of σ (see discussion below (D.2.2)) . Therefore
β' ≈ β ≈ -jωμσ .
372
At high ω this β' parameter is very large, so xa = β'a will also be large and we need then to find the large
xa limits of the functions fm, gm and hm . The Jm(x) large-x limit is non-trivial, so we provide some detail.
From NIST 10.17.2, keeping a few leading terms in each inverse power expansion, we have this rather
complicated large x behavior for Jm(x),
Jm(x) = (2/πx)1/2 { cos(w) [a0(m) - a2(m)/x2 + O(1/x4)] - sin(w) [a1(m)/x + O(1/x3)] ] }
w = x - mπ/2 - π/4 => e-jw = e-j(x-mπ/2-π/4) = e-jx ejπm/2 ejπ/4
4m2-1 (4m2-1)(4m2-9)
a0(m) = 1 a1(m) = 8 ≡ cm a2(m) = 128 ≡ dm . (D.10.5)
The expansion is in fact valid for all real and complex values of the parameter m, but we shall only use
the expansion for integer m. Using the above abbreviations cm and dm one gets, for large x,
Jm(x) = (2/πx)1/2[ cos(w) (1-dm/x2) - sin(w) (cm/x ) ] . (D.10.6)
Recall that inside the round wire,
δ ≡ 2/ωμσ = skin depth // ωμσ = 2/δ2 (2.2.20)

j3π/4
β=e ( 2 /δ) = (j-1)/δ (2.2.21)
so
x = βr = ej3π/4 ( 2 /δ) r = (j-1) (r/δ)
xa = βa = ej3π/4 ( 2 /δ) a = (j-1) (a/δ) . (D.10.7)
Since x has a large positive imaginary part for small δ, so does w. Then
cos(w) = [ ejw + e-jw]/2 ≈ (1/2) e-jw

sin(w) = [ ejw - e-jw]/2j ≈ -(1/2j) e-jw = (j/2)e-jw . (D.10.8)
The large-x expansion above then becomes
Jm(x) = (2/πx)1/2 (1/2) [e-jw (1- dm /x2) - j e-jw (cm /x) ]
= (1/2πx)1/2 e-jw [ 1 -j cm (1/x) - dm (1/x2) + ... ]
= (1/2πx)1/2 e-jx ejπm/2 ejπ/4 [ 1 -j cm (1/x) - dm (1/x2) + ... ] . (D.10.9)
It is not hard to show that this agrees with (2.3.5) through order 1/x. Notice from (D.10.7) that
373
e-jx = e-j(j-1)(r/δ) = e(1+j)(r/δ)
giving a convenient hybrid large-x form for Jm(x),
Jm(x) = (1/2πx)1/2 e(1+j)(r/δ) (j)m ejπ/4 [ 1 -j cm (1/x) - dm (1/x2) + ... ] . (D.10.10)
From (D.10.10) we see by inspection that, through O(1/x),
2
Jm(x) m-n a (1+j)(r-a)/δ 1 -j cm (1/x)- dm (1/x ) + ...
Jn(xa) = (j) r e 1 -j cn (1/xa)- dn (1/xa2) + ...
a (1+j)(r-a)/δ
≈ (j)m-n r e [ 1 - jcm/x + jcn/xa ] (D.10.11)
and
Jm(x) a (1+j)(r-a)/δ
Jm(xa) = r e . // independent of m (D.10.12)
Therefore, for large ω,
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x) a
gm = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] = 2 r e(1+j)(r-a)/δ
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
hm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] = 0
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm(x) Jm(x) a (1+j)(r-a)/δ

fm = [ J (x ) - Jm-1(xa) ] = (j)-1 r e [ 1 - jcm/x + jcm+1/xa ]
m+1 a
a (1+j)(r-a)/δ
- (j)+1 r e [ 1 - jcm/x + jcm-1/xa ]
a (1+j)(r-a)/δ
=-j r e [ 2 - 2jcm(1/x) + j(cm+1+cm-1) (1/xa)
a (1+j)(r-a)/δ
≈ - 2j r e
and we see that fm , gm and hm are all independent of m. For em (which appears in the B field expressions),
Jm(x) Jm(x) a (1+j)(r-a)/δ

em = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] = (j)-1 r e [ 1 - jcm/x + jcm+1/xa ]
m+1 a m-1 a
a (1+j)(r-a)/δ
+ (j)+1 r e [ 1 - jcm/x + jcm-1/xa ]
374
a (1+j)(r-a)/δ a (1+j)(r-a)/δ
= -j r e [ (j/xa) (cm+1- cm-1) ] = -j r e [ (j/xa) 2m ]
≈ 0 due to 1/xa .
The E field expressions from box (D.9.37) are then,

a (1+j)(r-a)/δ
Ez(r,m) = (1/4) ηm B (ωa) (β'/k) fm fm = -2j r e x = β'r
a (1+j)(r-a)/δ
Er(r,m) = (j/4) ηm B (ωa) gm gm = 2 r e xa = β'a
Eθ(r,m) =(1/4) ηm B (ωa) hm hm = 0 k = βd0

or
1
Large ω limits of the E field solutions : Rdc = σπa2 (D.10.13)
a -(1+j)(a-r)/δ
Ez(r,m) = - (j/2) ηm B (ωa) (β/βd0) r e x = βr
a -(1+j)(a-r)/δ
Er(r,m) = (j/2) ηm B (ωa) r e xa= βa
Eθ(r,m) = 0 B ≡ CV Rdc
As observed earlier, the longitudinal current Jz is much larger than the radial current Jr by factor |β/βd0|.
Notice the standard skin effect behavior both in amplitude and phase for both field components. We saw
this earlier in several places:
E(x,ω) = E(0,ω) e-x/δ e-jx/δ = E(0,ω) e-(1+j)x/δ x → (a-r) 1D example (2.1.8)
|Ez(r)| a -(a-r)/δ
|Ez(a)| = r e r/δ > 3/ 2 = 2.1 . (2.3.7)
The θ-space fields from (D.10.4b) are then,
a -(1+j)(a-r)/δ ∞
Ez(r,θ) = -(j/2) B (ωa) (β/k) { r e } [ Σm = -∞ ηm ejmθ ]
a -(1+j)(a-r)/δ ∞
Er(r,θ) = (j/2) B (ωa) { r e } [Σm = -∞ ηm ejmθ ]
Eθ(r,θ) = 0 ηm = Nm/N0 . (D.10.14)
∞
But [ Σm = -∞ ηm ejmθ ] is just n(θ)/N0 from (D.1.5a). Meanwhile,
375
(j/2) B (ωa)/N0 = (j/2) (ξd/εd) CV Rdc (ωa) / N0
= (j/2) (1) [ 2πa N0] Rdc (ωa) / N0 // (D.1.8) and ξd/εd = 1 for large ω
= (j/2) 2πa (1/σπa2) (ωa) // Rdc = 1/σπa2
= (jω/σ)
so then for large ω (D.10.14) becomes,
a -(1+j)(a-r)/δ
Ez(r,θ) = - (jω/σ) r e n(θ) (β/k)
a -(1+j)(a-r)/δ
Er(r,θ) = (jω/σ) r e n(θ)
Eθ(r,θ) = 0 (D.10.15)
so both Ez and Er track n(θ). From the first line of (D.10.15) the surface impedance is then
n(θ)
Zs(θ) ≡ Ez(a,θ) / I = - (jω/σ) n(θ) (β/k) / [2πa (ω/k) N0] = - (j/σ) (β/2πa) <n(θ)>
where I comes from (D.2.31c) since (ξd/εd) = 1 for large ω. But (2.2.21) says β = (j-1)/δ, so
n(θ) 1 n(θ)
Zs(θ) ≡ - (j/σ) (j-1)(1/2πaδ) <n(θ)> = σ(2πa)δ (1+j) <n(θ)> (D.10.16)
and Zs(θ) is seen to track n(θ). Averaging over the round wire surface (as done in (4.12.9) ) then gives
1
< Zs(θ)> = σ(2πa)δ (1+j) (D.10.17)
which is the same as Zs appearing in (2.4.16) for the symmetric round wire case.
Observations on the E fields for large ω
In the extreme skin effect (small δ, large ω) regime:
1. There is no azimuthal field Eθ inside or on the surface of the round wire.
2. Both Ez and Er exhibit the standard skin effect form for amplitude and phase.
3. At least for low loss situations, the ratio Ez(r,θ)/Er(r,θ) = - (β'/k) = - (β'/βd0) is very large in magnitude
and is constant in r and θ.
376
4. Both Ez and Er track the surface charge density n(θ) for azimuthal dependence.
5. If n(θ) ≠ constant, then Jz = σEz ≠ constant in θ and the longitudinal current density is asymmetric
across the round wire cross section, which is known as the proximity effect. This implies that the surface
impedance Zs is a function of θ, as shown in (D.10.16). In Section 2.4 the surface impedance was a
constant since only the m=0 partial wave was involved.
Reader Exercise. Use -jωB = curl E in the form (D.4.7), with (D.10.13) for E, to obtain the following
expressions for the partial wave magnetic fields inside a round wire at large ω:
a
Bz(r,m) = (j/2) ηm I Rdc (1/ω) mβd0 ( r )3/2 e-(1+j)(a-r)/δ (D.10.18)
a
Br(r,m) = (j/2) ηm I Rdc (1/ω) mβ ( r )3/2 e-(1+j)(a-r)/δ
a
Bθ(r,m) = (j/2) ηm I Rdc (1/ω) β ( r )3/2 e-(1+j)(a-r)/δ [ (βd0r)(βd0/β) - j/2 + (r/δ) (j-1) ] .
In the transmission line limit |(βd0r)| << 1 and from comments below (D.2.2) |(βd0/β)| << 1, so the last
bracket simplifies to [- j/2 + (r/δ) (j-1) ] . Since the exponential decays quickly in r, we could set r ≈ a in
this bracket and make little difference to get [- j/2 + (a/δ) (j-1) ]. But (a/δ) >> 1 more or less in the large
ω limit, so then the bracket is ≈ [ (a/δ) (j-1) ] Observations:
• As expected, the B field components have the same skin effect exponential decay as the E field
components.
• The Bz and Br components vanish for m = 0 but the Bθ component does not. Why is this so?
[ Hint: Look at (D.4.6) ]
• Bθ is larger than Br by roughly (a/δ), and Br is larger than Bz by the factor |(β/βd0)| >> 1.
377
D.11 Low frequency limit of the round wire E fields
(a) A High Level Review of Appendix D and its Accuracy
As presented above, the general approach of Appendix D was to solve for the E and B fields inside a
round wire assuming the ansatz traveling wave form
E(r,θ,z,t) = ej(ωt-kz) E(r,θ) (D.1.1)
where k is an arbitrary complex parameter. For any k, we found the following E field solution, where k
dependence is now shown more explicitly:
1
Jm(x) Jm(x)
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
m+1 a m-1 a
High Level Overview
These fields exactly solve Maxwell's equations and the two boundary conditions (D.2.26) and (D.2.27),
and from these E fields we computed the corresponding B fields. The coefficients ηm are the moments of
the surface charge distribution n(θ) on the round wire surface. In principle, any linear combination of
these solutions for different k values (including a continuous superposition) is also a possible solution.
However, when this round wire is part of a transmission line, one must also take into consideration
the field solution outside the round wire -- the solution within the transmission line dielectric region. This
is the so-called exterior solution, whereas our round wire analysis provided an interior solution. The idea
is that the exterior solution provides the correct value of parameter k to use for the interior solution. The
solutions must have the same k value due to the boundary between interior and exterior.
Whereas Appendix D found the interior solution for the E field using the Helmholtz equation,
Chapters 3 and 4 obtained the exterior solution in terms of the potentials φ and Az using the King gauge
condition. This analysis was not valid at low frequencies for a variety of reasons noted in those chapters,
perhaps the most dramatic of which is shown in Fig 3.6.(b). This drawing illustrates how the round wires
of a twin-lead transmission line are clearly not surfaces of constant Az potential at very low frequency,
whereas the theory assumes that they are. The main results of Chapter 4 were the first and second order
"transmission line equations" (4.12.15) and (4.12.17) involving i(z) and V(z). The second order equations
are (damped, ω domain) wave equations which directly imply an e-jkz dependence on z. Through the
boundary between the interior and exterior solutions, this implies a similar e-jkz form for the interior
solutions, which form is the ansatz of Appendix D. However, at low frequencies these wave equations are
no longer valid, there are "correction terms" [ see (S.29) ] , and thus the e-jkz ansatz (D.1.1) of Appendix
D is no longer valid. Therefore, we cannot expect low frequency predictions of Appendix D concerning
interior fields to be accurate. See Chapter 7 for further discussion of low frequency issues.
378
Meanwhile, on a separate track altogether, Appendix K describes the so-called "network model" of
the exterior solution [ at least i(z) and V(z) ] for a transmission line, using lumped R,G,L,C components.
In this model, the same transmission line equations obtained in Chapter 4 are found to be true, justifying
the network model. However, in the network model, these transmission line equations are valid all the
way down to DC (ω=0) whereas we have just shown that the "physics model" does not support this
conclusion. Nevertheless, we can use the network model's low frequency range as an approximation to the
true exterior solution at low frequency. In other words, we can pretend that the transmission line
equations are valid all the way down to DC. In so doing, we should not be surprised to find results which
are inaccurate. Note that the network model says nothing about interior field solutions.
Above low frequencies both the physics and network models provide the same value of k to be used
in the round wire interior solution. That value is k = -j zy = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) . Since k is a function
of ω (explicitly and also through ω dependence of the parameters), the transmission line has "dispersion"
and a group velocity vg = ∂ω/∂k different from the phase velocity vφ = ω/k. Appendix Q obtains
expressions for k(ω) appropriate for both high and low frequencies as limits of this rather complicated
function. We then use these limits in our low frequency analysis below, aware that they can give
inaccurate results. Appendix R makes use of the k(ω) function in a case study of a certain Belden cable.
(b) Low frequency values for β'
For low ω and G > 0: We seek an expression for β' at low ω. Since β'2 = β2 - k2, we need to know about
β and k. For any ω, we know first that
so β2 → 0 as ω→0. Meanwhile, the ultra-low frequency limit of k is known from (Q.4.6) to be,
Re(k) ≈ (ω/2) (Rdc2 + ωdLdc) C/(ωdRdc2) + O(ω2) ω < ωd = (σd/εd)

2
Im(k) ≈ - Rdc2G [ 1 + (tanL/2) (ω/ωd)] + O(ω ) . (Q.4.6)
Here we use Rdc2 to indicate the total DC resistance per unit length of the two transmission line
conductors, to avoid confusion with Rdc appearing in (D.2.33) which is for the round conductor alone.
Symbol G refers to the DC dielectric conductance of the transmission line, called Gdc in Appendix Q.
As ω→0, one finds Re(k)→ 0 and Im(k)→ - Rdc2G . Thus, at low ω,
β2 ≈ 0
k ≈ - j Rdc2G => k2 = - Rdc2G
β'2 = β2 - k2 = -k2 ≈ Rdc2G . (D.11.1)
For any reasonable transmission line Rdc2G will very small so the Bessel argument xa = β'a << 1.
379
Low Frequency Example: For Belden 8281 coaxial cable, Appendix R below Fig R.6 gives Rdc2 = .036
and G = 0.338 x 10-14 so β'2 ≈ Rdc2G ≈ 1.22 x 10-16 and then β' ≈ 1.1 x 10-8 m-1. The central
conductor has a = 3.94 x 10-4 m so β'a ≈ 5 x 10-12 << 1.
Since β'a is very small, we shall need to evaluate fm, gm and hm for small xa = β'a.
For low ω and G = 0: When G = 0, the ultra-low ω behavior of k is given by (Q.4.9),
Re(k) ≈ + Rdc2C/2 ω ( 1 - tanL/2) + O(ω3/2)

Im(k) ≈ - Rdc2C/2 ω ( 1 + tanL/2) + O(ω3/2) . (Q.4.9)
As ω→ 0 one then has,
k≈ Rdc2C/2 ω (1-j) = Rdc2C ω e-j/4
k2 = -jω Rdc2C
β'2 = β2 - k2 ≈ -jωμσ +jωRdc2C = -jω(μσ - Rdc2C) . (D.11.2)
Again β' is very small at low frequency and in fact β' → 0 as ω→0. Thus again β'a << 1 so we need to
evaluate fm, gm and hm for small xa = β'a.
(c) Low frequency evaluation of em, fm, gm and hm
Although em does not appear in the E field expressions, it does in the B field ones so we include it here.
In the following we consider only m ≥ 0, knowing from (D.10.2) that *-m = *m for * = e, f, g or h.
The small x limit for Jm(x) is given by NIST 10.7.3,
Jn(x) = (x/2)n / n! . for n = 0,1,2,..... (D.11.3)
Since Jm-1 appears in our coefficient expressions and since m = 0 is encountered, we have to deal with m
= 0 as a special case since the above limit is not valid for n = -1. To this end we use NIST 10.2.2 which is
valid for integer n,
J-n(x) = (-1)nJn(x) ≈ (-1)n (x/2)n / n! (D.11.4)
so that J-1(x) = - J1(x) ≈ - (x/2). Our small-x forms of interest are then
Jn(x) = (x/2)n / n! for n = 0,1,2,.....

J-1(x) = - (x/2) for n = -1 . (D.11.5)
380
We now examine the small x limits of em, fm, gm, and hm .
First fm for m > 0, and then for m = 0:
Jm(x) Jm(x) (x/2)m/m! (x/2)m/m!

fm = [ J (x ) - Jm-1(xa) ] = [ (xa/2)m+1/(m+1)! - (xa/2)m-1/(m-1)! ]
m+1 a
= [ (m+1) (x/xa)m (2/xa) - (1/m) (x/xa)m(xa/2) ] = (x/xa)m [ (m+1) (2/xa) - (1/m) (xa/2) ]
≈ (x/xa)m (m+1) (2/xa) // as xa→ 0
J0(x) J0(x) J0(x) J0(x) J0(x) 1

f0 = [ J (x ) - J-1(xa) ] = [ J1(xa) + J1(xa) ] = 2 J1(xa) = 2 (xa/2) = 4/xa
1 a
Since only the first term in fm survives the small x limit, the results for em are the same as for fm :
Jm(x) Jm(x)
em ≈ [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] ≈ (x/xa)m (m+1) (2/xa) .
m+1 a m-1 a
But e0 is different
J0(x) J0(x) J0(x) J0(x)

e0 = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] = 0 .
1 a -1 a 1 a 1 a
First gm for m > 0, and then for m = 0:
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x) (x/2)m+1/(m+1)! (x/2)m-1/(m-1)!

gm = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] = [ (x /2)m+1/(m+1)! + (x /2)m-1/(m-1)! ]
m+1 a m-1 a a a
= (x/xa)m+1 + (x/xa)m-1
J1(x) J-1(x) J1(x) J1(x) J1(x)
g0 = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] = 2 J (x ) = 2 (x/xa)
1 a -1 a 1 a 1 a 1 a
Results for hm are then obvious since there is only a sign change between the terms in gm,
hm = (x/xa)m+1 - (x/xa)m-1 h0 = 0 [ exactly, for any x and xa ]
The results are then,
em = (r/a)m (m+1) (2/β'a) e0 = 0

fm = (r/a)m (m+1) (2/β'a) f0 = 4/(aβ')
gm = (r/a)m+1 + (r/a)m-1 g0 = 2 (r/a)
hm = (r/a)m+1 - (r/a)m-1 h0 = 0
381
for m ≥ 0. Allowing for all integer values of m, using the symmetries (D.10.2) we can write,
em = (r/a)|m| (|m|+1) (2/β'a) e0 = 0

fm = (r/a)|m| (|m|+1) (2/β'a) f0 = 4/(aβ')
gm = (r/a)|m|+1 + (r/a)|m|-1 g0 = 2 (r/a)
hm = (r/a)|m|+1 - (r/a)|m|-1 h0 = 0 . (D.11.6)
(d) Low frequency E fields
Recall that for the general case G ≥ 0 we can write the E fields as
1
Jm(x) Jm(x)
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
m+1 a m-1 a
For small ω, use the small-x limits of (D.11.6) to get
Ez(r,m) = (1/2) ηm B (ω/k) (r/a)m (m+1) (D.11.7)


Er(r,0) = (j/2) B (ωr)
Eθ(r,0) = 0 m=0 G≥0
For G = 0 one has,
(ξd/εd) = 1 (D.9.28)
k= Rdc2C ω e-j/4 => C (ω/k) = ej/4 ω C/Rdc2 (D.11.2)
and then the E fields are
382
Ez(r,m) = (1/2) ηm ej/4 V Rdc ω C/Rdc2 (r/a)m (m+1) (D.11.8)

Er(r,m) = (j/4) ηm CV Rdc (ωa) [(r/a)m+1 + (r/a)m-1]
Eθ(r,m) = (1/4) ηm CV Rdc (ωa) [(r/a)m+1 - (r/a)m-1] m>0
Ez(r,0) = ej/4 V Rdc ω C/Rdc2

Er(r,0) = (j/2) CV Rdc (ωr)
Eθ(r,0) = 0 m=0 G =0 ω→0
As ω → 0, all E fields go to zero as one might expect since Z0 → ∞. In the network model one has,
Fig D.8
The current is I = CV(ω/k) = V ej/4 ω C/Rdc2 and it too → 0. With no current in the transmission
line, it seems reasonable that all E fields should vanish.
For G > 0 one has instead, for small ω,
(ξd/εd) ≈ (G/jωC) (D.9.28)
k = - j Rdc2G (D.11.1)
and then the E fields of (D.11.7) are,
Ez(r,m) = (1/2) ηm V Rdc G/Rdc (r/a)m (m+1) (D.11.9)

Er(r,m) = (1/4) ηm V Rdc (G a) [(r/a)m+1 + (r/a)m-1]
Eθ(r,m) = -j(1/4) ηm V Rdc (G a) [(r/a)m+1 - (r/a)m-1] m>0
Ez(r,0) = V Rdc G/Rdc

Er(r,0) = (1/2) V Rdc (G r)
Eθ(r,0) = 0 m=0 G>0 ω→0
As ω → 0, all E fields approach finite values except Eθ(r,0) = 0. This seems reasonable since even at DC
current flows between the conductors through the dielectric when G > 0.
383
Consider now the ratio Ez(r,m)/ Ez(r,0). For G = 0 or G > 0 the ratio is exactly the same, namely
Jz(r,m) Ez(r,m)
Jz(r,0) = E (r,0) = (1/2) ηm (r/a)m (m+1) as ω → 0, m > 0 (D.11.10)
z
where Jz = σEz is used to obtain the leftmost ratio.
An anomaly. For the G = 0 case, the above result is rather disturbing. In the DC limit ω → 0, we expect
the current density Jz inside our round wire to approach a uniform value. This is so because we expect
there to be no eddy currents at ω = 0 and these are the cause of Jz non-uniformity as discussed in
Appendix P. In order for Jz to be uniform, the partial wave components J(r,m) for m ≠ 0 must all vanish.
But the ratio above shows that they do not vanish in relation to J(r,0). It is true that in the final limit ω→ 0
all E fields vanish, as shown in (D.11.8), but we would have expected that, as we approach the limit, the
current density would smoothly approach a uniform constant value.
Let us re-examine this situation in the θ domain rather than the m domain. Recall that for n(θ) even, one
has η-m = ηm and then
∞
Ez(r,θ) = Ez(r,m=0) + 2 ∑ Ez(r,m) cos(mθ) . (D.10.3)
m=1
Inserting the small-ω fields from (D.11.8) then gives
Ez(r,θ) = ej/4 V Rdc ω C/Rdc2

∞
+ 2 ∑ (1/2) ηm ej/4 V Rdc ω C/Rdc2 (r/a)m (m+1) cos(mθ)
m=1
∞
= ej/4 V Rdc ω C/Rdc2 [ 1 + ∑ ηm (r/a)m (m+1) cos(mθ) ] (D.11.11)
m=1
and therefore
∞
Jz(r,θ) = ej/4 σ V Rdc ωC/Rdc2 [ 1 + ∑ ηm (r/a)m (m+1) cos(mθ) ] . (D.11.12)
m=1
The integral of Jzover the round wire cross section gives the total current I. In this integral, the partial
waves with m > 0 make no contribution due to the dθ integral. Therefore
I = (ej/4 σ V Rdc ω C/Rdc2 ) * πa2 = ej/4 V ω C/Rdc2 . (D.11.13)
The expression for Ez and Jz can then be written in this simple form,
384
∞
Ez(r,θ) = I Rdc [ 1 + ∑ ηm (r/a)m (m+1) cos(mθ) ] as ω → 0 (D.11.14)
m=1
∞
Jz(r,θ) = σ I Rdc [ 1 + ∑ ηm (r/a)m (m+1) cos(mθ) ] as ω → 0 . (D.11.15)
m=1
One sees explicitly now how Jz(r,θ) is not uniform but varies with both r and θ over the round wire cross
secction. As ω → 0, the shape of Jz over the round wire cross section approaches the bracketed function.
The correct ω = 0 result I/(πa2) is just the "1" term, as if all the ηm vanished for m > 0. But they don't
vanish since a DC capacitor made from two infinite cylinders held at V in a vacuum holds charge which
is asymmetric around the cross section perimeter.
There is a possible obscure argument that somehow, as ω → 0, the ratio of the eddy currents to the
total current I is somehow constant and that is how the Jz asymmetry is maintained all the way to ω→0.
We don't think this argument is valid, so we really do have an anomaly of our theory as ω→ 0.
The surface impedance for the round conductor is given by,
∞
Zs(θ) ≡ Ez(a,θ)/ I = Rdc [ 1 + ∑ ηm (r/a)m (m+1) cos(mθ) ] as ω → 0 (D.11.16)
m=1
and so
<Zs(θ)> = Rdc as ω → 0 (D.11.17)
as one would expect.
Reader Exercise: Does (D.11.9) give the correct solution to the implied magnetostatics problem, or are
there anomalies like the one noted above? Notice that Z0 is certainly correct based on the reader exercise
given in Appendix K (c). The "wave" decays in z according to e-jkz = exp(- RG z) which also seems
reasonable.
385
Appendix E: How Thick is Surface Charge on a Metal?
Appendix E: How Thick is Surface Charge on a Metal Conductor?
It is often said that surface charges exist only very close to the surface of a conductor. In this section, we
will show how extremely true this statement is. Here is a crude sketch of what we expect surface charge
distributions might look like at the plates of a capacitor.
Fig E.1
The red plot is charge density ρ, and the black plot is the electric field magnitude. The charge density is
exactly ρ = 0 in the dielectric region between the two plates simply because there are no available charge
carriers as there are in a metal (the electron cloud), see Section 3.1. Barring a huge E field or very high
temperatures, electrons cannot just "jump off" the metal surface into the dielectric region because of an
energy cost to do so, called the work function.
The figure suggests that the charge distribution might have an exponential decay going into each
metal surface, with some characteristic distance which we seek to find. The reader might wonder: is it the
skin depth δ? The answer to that question is: most definitely not!
We are accustomed to using Ohm's law J = σE in various forms. Application of this law in the
regions of charge density in the above figure leads to a contradiction. In the DC static case, nothing
moves, so there can be no J, but there is clearly some E, so how can J = σE ? The reason is that Ohm's
law only applies in a neutral medium. When there is a net charge density, the corrected Ohm's law is this:
J = σE - D grad ρ . dim(D) = m2/sec (E.1)
The grad term, associated with Fick's Law, represents a flux of charged particles (a current) created by a
gradient of the charge density. The charge flows (diffuses) from a region of high density to one of lower
density, hence the minus sign, just as heat flows from a region of higher temperature to one of lower
temperature. In a static situation with no current, the second term balances the first term in a surface
charge region,
σE = D grad ρ . (E.2)
As electrons pile up on the boundary, they resist further pileup by their higher density. Basically this is a
diffusion effect, and D is a diffusion coefficient.
There is another more familiar equation which relates E and ρ, namely (1.1.3) + (1.1.6),
div E = ρ/ε . (E.3)
386
Inside a metal conductor the dielectric constant ε requires some careful study, but here we shall just set it
to ε0 as if there were nothing in the electron cloud of the metal that could be polarized. Taking the
divergence of (E.2) and using (E.3) we get this result
∇2ρ = (σ/Dε0) ρ . (E.4)
The inverse combination of symbols in (E.4) is the square of something called the Debye length,
λD2 = (Dε0/σ) (E.5)
which is associated with charge screening in plasmas (such as the electrons in a metal). Thus, (E.4) may
be written,
∇2ρ = (1/λD2) ρ . (E.6)
In our one-dimensional problem of the above figure, the solution of this equation is
ρ(x) = ρ(0) e-x/λD (E.7)
where x is a coordinate going into the surface. This says that the thickness of the charge surface layer
inside the metal is basically λD.
If the electron cloud inside the metal is treated as a classical gas of particles of mass m, charge q,
temperature T, and density n, one gets formulas for the various coefficients. Here are some expressions:
J = nqv v = average drift velocity // (N.1.1)
τ = mean lifetime between collisions // below (N.1.2)
μ = (v/E) = (q/m)τ = mobility // (N.1.7)
D = kT(μ/q) = kT(τ/m) = diffusion coefficient // " Einstein relation"
σ = (nq2τ/m) = conductivity // (N.1.9)
λD = ε0 kT/nq2 = Debye length // (E.5) and last 2 equ. above (E.8)
This set of equations represents a classical model for the free charge in a metal.
One major and one minor adjustment is needed (see Kittel p 278-280) when quantum theory is
applied because electrons are fermions. This means that they cannot all park in the same state, so they
"pile up" in higher and higher states in something known as the Fermi sphere. Only electrons at the
surface of this sphere can do anything useful. Due to the pileup, the temperature of the active electrons is
very much higher than one might think using classical physics. One finds this temperature by setting kT =
EF where this latter is the Fermi energy,
EF = (h2/ 8π2m) (3π2n)2/3 = kTF . (E.9)
387
The appearance of the Plank constant h is the clue that this is a quantum result. This was the major
quantum adjustment. The minor one is that T in the Debye formula gets replaced by (2/3)T. Thus,
λD = ε0 k(2TF/3)/nq2 = Debye length (quantum correct) . (E.10)
We shall now run some numbers. Here are the basics,
n = 8.45 x 1028 electrons/ m3 for Copper
k = 1.38 x 10-23 = Boltzmann constant
m = 9.1 x 10-31 kg = electron mass
h = 6.63 x 10-34 J sec = Planck constant
Plugging these into (E.9) gives the following effective electron temperature
so
TF = 81,702 ° K = pretty hot . (E.11)
We can now compute the Debye length, using (E.10) :
ε0 = 8.85 x 10-12 F/m
q = 1.60 x 10-19 C
so
λD = 5.55 x 10-11 m = 0.55 A (Angstroms) // = 55 pm (E.12)
and this result for λD appears on page 280 of Kittel. The atomic spacing in crystal copper is 3.6A, while
the copper atomic radius is about 1.3A.
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The basic discussion above through (E.7) appears in Portis pp 162-164 (Chap 5, Sec 11). Portis then
gives a small table of metal parameters and λD for copper is quoted as 0.59A, close to our result above.
Thus, we come to the dramatic conclusion of this section:
Fact: In our simple model, the thickness of the surface charge density below the surface of a conductor is
incredibly small. For copper, it is less than the radius of one copper atom, and the general result applies to
any metal. Thus, the surface charge decays away right in the very first atomic layer of a metal.
Fact: The thin layer of negative surface charge on the right plate in Fig E.1 above serves to neutralize the
E field which would otherwise be present inside the right conductor due to the positive charge on the
surface of the left plate. One says that the E field inside (and to the right of) the right plate is "screened"
(killed off) by the negative surface charge layer on the right plate.
This is of course the principle behind the ever-popular Faraday Cage (note kids inside):
Fig E.2
http://www.wonderwhizkids.com/resources/content/imagesv4/apupdate/physics/Electricity/conductors/Faraday_cage.jpg
From Section 2.2, we found that the skin depth δ for copper at 100 GHz is about 0.2 microns which is
2x10-7m = 2000A. Even at this large frequency, the skin depth is still about 4000 times larger than the
thickness of the surface charge layer. At 1 GHz this ratio is 40,000.
Fact: Whereas surface current can exist "deep" into the surface of a conductor, even when the skin effect
is dominant, the surface charge can always be thought of as being exactly on the surface.
389
Appendix F: Waveguides
F.1 Discussion
A transmission line must have at least two distinct conductors to carry the TEM wave described in
Section 3.7 and as illustrated in the figures there. For a two conductor transmission line the surfaces of the
conductors have a potential difference of amplitude V ≠ 0.
A single wire cannot carry a TEM wave except in the sense of Section 2.1 where it acts as the center
conductor of a coaxial cable with a far-distant return sheath. A TEM wave cannot propagate down the
inside of a hollow pipe regardless of cross section shape since the continuous conductor cross section
"shorts out" any possible V ≠ 0.
In this document we have associated the TEM wave with the phrase "transmission line". but certainly
a waveguide is a form of transmission line. Normally one associates the word "waveguide" with the TE
and TM modes such waveguides carry. The usual form of a waveguide is in fact a hollow pipe, often of
rectangular or circular cross section. However, it is possible for a 2 conductor transmission line to have
TE and TM modes. In this Appendix we shall not present a theory of waveguides since that is well done
in Jackson and many other texts, but we would like to show that a transmission line made from two
closely spaced parallel plates can carry waveguide modes in addition to the TEM mode. We want to use
this simple example to illustrate the notion that waveguide modes have lower cutoff frequencies whereas
the TEM mode can operate all the way down to ω = 0 ( albeit in a very lossy manner).
The terminology TEM (Transverse Electric and Magnetic) means that both the E and B fields are
transverse, as shown in Figures 3.5 through 3.7. In reality, we know there is a very small longitudinal Ez
field because Ez is continuous at a conductor surface and we know Jz = σEz just inside the conductor.
This Ez field exists and has a cosine-like shape between the conductors, having the opposite direction at
the second conductor. This field might be smaller than the transverse E field by a factor 10-4 as shown in
(3.6.2).
A TEM wave is very much like a plane wave with its transverse E and B fields, but the fields are
distorted by the presence of the conductors. As Fig 3.5 shows, this distortion is such that the Poynting
vector E x B always points down the line (z direction), E and B are always perpendicular at any point [for
sufficiently large ω, see (3.7.25)], and the E field lands perpendicularly on the conductors. The TE and
TM modes have much more complicated field patterns.
The waveguide modes are called TE (Transverse Electric) and TM (Transverse Magnetic). The
nomenclature is a little confusing since both TE and TM waves generally have transverse E and B fields.
The distinction is that the TE modes have no Ez field, while the TM modes have no Bz field. So TE
means the E field is "transverse only".
F.2 The TE waveguide modes for a parallel-plate transmission line
We shall assume (our usual "ansatz") that the entire E field is given by
E(x,y,z) = Ey(x) ej(ωt-kz) ^

y (F.2.1)
where we have our usual overloading of the symbol E.
This field in the dielectric must satisfy the ω-domain wave equation (1.5.32) which says
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(∇2 + βd2) E = 0 . (F.2.2)
Here βd is the usual Helmholtz parameter of the dielectric as in (1.5.1a),
βd2 = μdεdω2 - jωμdσd = ω2μd ( εd - jσd/ω) = ω2μdξd ξd ≡ εd - jσd/ω . (1.5.1a)
but in this Appendix we assume the dielectric is non-conducting so
βd2 = ω2μdεd = ω2/vd2 ( ≡ βd02 but we shall just call it βd2). (F.2.3)
Inserting the ansatz form (F.2.1) for E into (F.2.2) one finds that,
(∂x2 + ∂y2 + ∂z2+ βd2) Ey(x) ej(ωt-kz) = 0

or
(∂x2 + 0 +(-k2)+ βd2) Ey(x) = 0 . (F.2.4)
Define
γ2 ≡ βd2-k2 (F.2.5)
so that
(∂x2 + γ2) Ey(x)= 0 (F.2.6)

so
Ey(x) = A sin(γx) + Bcos(γx) . (F.2.7)
We now introduce our parallel plate transmission line (the gap is exaggerated in width)
Fig F.1
391
Since we require Ey = 0 at the two inner plate surfaces, we find that
Ey(x) = A sin(γx) where sin(γd) = 0 => γd = mπ . (F.2.8)
Thus, the parameter γ is quantized by the boundary conditions and we have
Ey(m)(x) = A sin(γmx) γm = m(π/d) m = 1,2,3.... (F.2.9)
Suddenly there are "modes" labeled by m. The lowest non-vanishing mode has m = 1, and this is the
mode shown in the figure.
We find that the wave's wavenumber k is also quantized. From (F.2.5),
km = βd2 - γm2 . (F.2.10)
In order to have a traveling wave ej(ωt-kz), one needs k in (F.2.1) to be real, which requires that
βd ≥ γm . (F.2.11)
For a non-conducting dielectric one has βd = ω μdεd = ω/vd where vd is the light speeed in the
dielectric. Recall from (1.1.29) that μ0ε0 = 1/c. So the above condition is
ω/vd ≥ m(π/d) => ω ≥ m(π/d)vd
so
ω ≥ ωm ωm ≡ m(π/d)v = γm vd . (F.2.12)
Thus the mth TE mode can only operate for ω above ωm, and as m increases the low end mode cutoff
increases. For ω < ω1 there can be no TE action on this waveguide.
The B fields for our TE mode can be obtained from the Maxwell curl E (1.6.24),
^ (∂yEz - ∂zEy) + ^
B = (j/ω) curl E = (j/ω) [x y (∂zEx - ∂xEz) + ^
z (∂xEy - ∂yEx)]
^ (- ∂zEy) + ^
= (j/ω) [x z (∂xEy) ]
so then
Bx(m)(x) = (j/ω)(jk)Ey(x) = -(km/ω) A sin(γmx) (F.2.13)
Bz(m)(x) = (j/ω)∂xEy(x) = (j/ω) γm A cos(γmx) . (F.2.14)
Ey(m)(x) = A sin(γmx) . (F.2.9)
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If A is real, then Ey and Bx are real and in time phase, while Bz is 900 out of phase. An attempt has been
made to display all three field components in Fig F.1.
To show that the waveguide mode outlined above is viable, we verify Maxwell's equations. Since the
Maxwell curl E equation was used to obtain B, we need verify only the remaining three equations:
div E = ∂xEx + ∂yEy + ∂zEz = ∂yEy(x) = 0 (F.2.15)
div B = ∂xBx + ∂yBy + ∂zBz = ∂xBx + ∂zBz
= -(km/ω) γm Acos(γmx) - jkm (j/ω) γm A cos(γmx)
= -(km/ω) γm Acos(γmx) + km (1/ω) γm A cos(γmx) = 0 (F.2.16)
Finally,
x (∂yBz - ∂zBy) + ^
curl B = ^ y (∂zBx - ∂xBz) + ^
z (∂xBy - ∂yBx)
= +^
y (∂zBx - ∂xBz) = ^
y [ (-jkm )-(km/ω) A sin(γmx) + (j/ω) γm2 A sin(γmx) ]
= ^
y [ (jkm2 /ω) A sin(γmx) + (j/ω) γm2 A sin(γmx) ]
y [ km2 + γm2 ] j (A/ω)sin(γmx) = ^

= ^ y βd2 j (A/ω)sin(γmx) . (F.2.17)
According to (1.6.23)
curl H(x,ω) = jωD(x,ω) + J(x,ω) (1.6.18)
with J = 0 , D = εE and H = B/μ one should have
curl B = jωεμ E (F.2.18)
Installing curl B from (F.2.17) and E from (F.2.9), the Maxwell curl B equation will be satisfied if
βd2 j (A/ω)sin(γmx) = jωεμ A sin(γmx)

or
βd2 (1/ω) = ωεdμd
or
βd2 = ω2εdμd
which is (F.2.3) quoted above. Thus we have shown that our TE waveguide modes satisfy all four
Maxwell equations.
Although the TE and TEM modes are both "transverse electric", there is a significant difference in the
E field pattern. In TEM the E field lines run from one conductor to the other so that the line integral of E
generates the potential difference V, as shown in Fig 3.5. The E field lines are "sourced by" (or "create")
393
the surface charge on the conductors. In the TE mode of Fig F.1, the E field is still transverse but is
parallel to the conductors so the line integral of E between the conductors gives V = 0. These E lines are
not sourced by charges on the conductors but are more like the E field lines in a free-space light wave.
Comments:
1. The parallel plate transmission line also has TM waveguide modes, and the cutoff frequencies are the
same as for the TE mode.
2. A rectangular waveguide mode has two quantized integers and the cutoff frequency is then a function
of both these integers. For TM the Ez field will have sine behavior in both x and y directions. See for
example Jackson Section 8.4 page 361.
3. The obvious boundary condition is that Et = 0 at the walls, while a less obvious condition is that
Bn = 0 at the walls [ see (3.7.17) ]. Notice in our example that Bx(m)(x) = 0 at the walls and this is a
normal B field.
4. Waveguide problems are normally dealt with using the Helmholtz equation for the E and B fields,
whereas the TEM transmission line problem is more easily dealt with using potentials φ and Az.
5. We have dealt above with an ideal waveguide. In real waveguides the fields E and B penetrate distance
δ (skin depth) into the walls and generate ohmic losses causing the wave to be damped. The same thing of
course also happens for the transmission line TEM mode.
Reader Exercise: Make a 3D vector plot of the E and B fields for Fig F.1, and also plot the Poynting
vector S = E x B and compare with the TEM wave pattern. Except at the center, in addition to Sz there
seems to be an Sx component suggesting a transverse power flow distribution in addition to the expected
longitudinal power flow. (See below)
F.3 A waveguide interpretation
Adding the (F.2.1) ansatz z dependence e-jkz to (F.2.9) gives, with (F.2.10) for km ,
Ey(x,z) = A sin(γmx) e-jkmz km = βd2 - γm2 (F.3.1)
The solution was approximate because it ignored skin depth effects.
It is convenient to think of (F.3.1) as the superposition of two "free space" plane waves of wavenumber βd
traveling at some skew angle ±θ relative to the z direction, reflecting back and forth off the sides of the
waveguide:
•r •
Ey(x,z) = (Aj/2) [e-jβ1 - e-jβ2 r] = sum of two plane waves (F.3.2)
where
394
β1 = βx ^ x + βz ^
z = wavevector of the first wave ⇒ β1 • r = βxx + βzz
β2 = - βx x + βz ^
^ z = wavevector of the second wave ⇒ β2 • r = - βxx + βzz (F.3.3)
(β1)2 = (β2)2 = βx2 + βz2 = βd2
tanθ = βx/βz . (F.3.4)
Adding the two terms in (F.3.2) gives
•r •
Ey(x,z) = (Aj/2) [e-jβ1 - e-jβ2 r] = (Aj/2) [e-jβxx-jβzz - e+jβxx-jβzz ]
= (Aj/2) e-jβzz [e-jβxx - e+jβxx ] = (Aj/2) e-jβzz [-2j sin(βx x) ]
= A e-jβzz sin(βxx) . (F.3.5)
Comparing with (F.3.1) one concludes that
βx = γm = mπ/d βz = km // ωm = γmvd
γm (ωm/vd) ωm
tanθ = βx/βz = γm/km = = = . (F.3.6)
βd2 - γm2 (ω/vd)2 - (ωm/vd)2 2
ω - ωm2
The two plane waves have wavenumber βd = ω/νd and not k. Their sum is the superposed wave going
down the guide in the z direction with wavenumber km shown in Fig F.2. As ω approaches cutoff from
above, tanθ → ∞ and θ→π/2 and at cutoff the plane waves just bounce back and forth sideways and there
is no propagation down the guide at all. Here is a picture:
Fig F.2
395
Appendix G: The DC vector potential of a round wire
Appendix G: The DC vector potential of a round wire carrying a uniform current
In this problem, an isolated, infinitely-long and z-aligned round wire ( μ2,ε2,σ2, radius a ) carries a current
I. The wire is immersed in an infinite dielectric medium (μ1,ε1,σ1). We begin for general ω, but quickly
go to the DC limit ω = 0. We wish to calculate the vector potential A of this wire both inside and outside.
Section G.1 sets up the problem, makes some ansatz assumptions, and then ends up with a 2D
Poisson equation for the potential which is ∇22D Az(r) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ(r≤a).
Section G.2 directly solves this Poisson equation for the potential Az(r). The solution is required to
meet two boundary conditions at r = a.
Section G.3 very quickly computes this same Az(r) using Ampere's Law with the same boundary
conditions and obtains the same result found in Section G.2.
Section G.4 laboriously obtains the same Az(r) result using the 2D Helmholtz integral (which in this
case is really just a Laplace integral). This serves as a prototype case for dealing with such integrals, so
much detail is provided. It is found that for μ1 ≠ μ2 homogenous terms must be added to the Helmholtz
integral in order to meet the boundary conditions.
Section G.5 comments on the solution for Az at low frequencies.
G.1 Setup and Assumptions
1 = dielectric 2 = conductor
The ω-domain Helmholtz wave equation for A using the King gauge is given by (1.5.4),
(∇2 + β12)A = - μ2J2 β12 = ω2μ1 ξ1 ξ1 ≡ ε1 - jσ1/ω (G.1.1)
div A = jωμ1ξ1φ . // King gauge [ 1 = dielectric, 2 = wire ] (G.1.2)
We take a uniform prescribed current inside the wire ( assume low frequency),
J2 = [I/(πa2)] ^
z (G.1.3)
so the Helmholtz wave equation reads
(∇2 + β12)A(x) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ( x2+y2 < a) ^

z
where ∇2 is the vector Laplacian and where θ(B) = 1 if B is true, else 0.
In Cartesian components this says,
(∇2 + β12)Ax(x) = 0
(∇2 + β12)Ay(x) = 0
(∇2 + β12)Az(x) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ( x2+y2 < a)
396
where in these three equations ∇2 is the scalar Laplacian. We shall seek a solution in which both Ax and
Ay vanish. In this case one has,
A(x) = Az(x) ^
z.
We assume a very low frequency ω for which we know any longitudinal wave that might be going down
the wire has a very long wavelength. We then ignore z variations in Az to write
A(x) = Az(x,y) ^
z. (G.1.4)
In this case, one finds that ∇2Az = ∇22D Az and then the only equation of interest is this:
(∇22D + β12) Az(x,y) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ( x2+y2 < a) . // ∇22D = ∇2 - ∂z2 (G.1.5)
Now take ω→0 to get
∇22D Az(x,y) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ(x2+y2 < a2)
which is just a 2D Poisson equation with a constant source limited to a region of space. At this point we
are free to replace x,y with polar coordinates r,θ, so we have for r in the range (0,∞),
∇22D Az(r,θ) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ(r<a) . // θ(r<a) = Heaviside θ(a-r). (G.1.6)
From B = curl A in cylindrical coordinates one finds that, since only Az is non-vanishing,
r [ r-1∂θAz - ∂zAθ] + ^
B = curl A = ^ θ [∂zAr - ∂rAz] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rAθ) - r-1∂θAr ]
r [ r-1∂θAz] + ^
= ^ θ [- ∂rAz] .
Since we expect the magnetic field lines to be entirely in the ^

θ direction, we are led to make the
assumption that ∂θAz = 0 and then the problem is this,
∇22D Az(r) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ(r<a) B = Bθ^

θ with Bθ = - ∂rAz . (G.1.7)
If we can find a solution, then the ansatz assumptions that Ax = Ay = 0 and B = Bθ^
θ are justified.
G.2 Direct solution for Az(r) from the differential equation
Using ∇22D in polar coordinates the ODE (G.1.7) reads
(1/r)∂r(r∂rAz(r)) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ(r≤a)

or
397
∂r(r∂rAz(r)) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] r θ(r≤a)

or
r Az"(r) + Az'(r) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] r θ(r≤a) . (G.2.1)
The two regional differential equations are then
r Az"(r) + Az'(r) = 0 r>a region 1 (dielectric)

r Az"(r) + Az'(r) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] r r<a region 2 (conductor) . (G.2.2)
The general-form solutions to these ODE's are,
Az(r) = C ln(r) + D r>a region 1

Az(r) = - [Iμ2/(4πa2)] r2 + E ln(r) + F r<a region 2 (G.2.3)
where there are 4 constants to be determined. For r>a the functions 1 and lnr are the well-known atomic
forms (harmonic elements) for the 2D Laplace equation for situations of azimuthal symmetry. The first
term in region 2 (G.2.3) is the particular solution of region 2 (G.2.2) to which we have added a possible
homogeneous solution E ln(r) + F.
In order that Az(r) be finite at r = 0, one must set E = 0.
For very large r the round wire looks like a line source and we know the solution of that problem.
Using Ampere's Law that 2πrHθ = I we find ( recall that Bθ = - ∂rAz)
Hθ = [I/2π](1/r) => Bθ = μ1 [I/2π](1/r) => Az = - [I μ1/2π] ln(r) + D' . r >> a
Comparing this solution to our r>a round wire solution we conclude that D' = D and C = -[μ1I/2π] . There
are still two unknown constants D and F :
Az(r) = -[Iμ1/2π] ln(r) + D r>a region 1

Az(r) = - [Iμ2/(4πa2)] r2 + F r<a region 2 . (G.2.4)
The potential Az(r) always has an additive constant which one is free to specify and which affects
nothing. We shall choose the zero point of Az(r) by setting D = 0 arbitrarily. This means that Az(r) has
the simple form K ln(r) for r>a, and that choice implies that Az(a) = - [Iμ1/2π] ln(a), so we have in effect
specified Az(r) on the wire surface to be this value. Notice for future reference that,
∂rAz(r) = - [Iμ1/2π] (1/r) r>a region 1

∂rAz(r) = - [Iμ2/(2πa2)] r r<a region 2 . (G.2.5)
Now, since our prescribed current J2 does not specify a free surface current Kz on the round wire surface,
which would have the form
Js,surface = Kzfree δ(a-r),
398
we conclude that there is no free surface current on the round wire surface; there is only the bulk volume
current Jz = I/(πa2)θ(r<a). Therefore the boundary condition (1.1.46) applies (though now in polar
coordinates) and we conclude that
(1/μ1) [(∂rAz)(a)]1 = (1/μ2) [(∂rAz)(a)]2 .
In addition, we shall require that Az itself be continuous at the boundary, so here are our two boundary
conditions of interest (superscript 1 means region 1 which is r>a),
[Az(a)]1 = [Az(a)]2 .
(1/μ1) [(∂rAz)(a)]1 = (1/μ2) [(∂rAz)(a)]2 . (G.2.6)
We now require that both these boundary conditions be met by the Az expressions of (G.2.4),
[Az(a)]1 = [Az(a)]2 // (G.2.6) repeated

(1/μ1) [(∂rAz)(a)]1 = (1/μ2) [(∂rAz)(a)]2
or
-[Iμ1/2π] ln(a) = - [Iμ2/(4πa2)] a2 + F // insert expressions, set r = a
(1/μ1){- [Iμ1/2π] (1/a)} = (1/μ2){ - [Iμ2/(2πa2)]a }
or
-[Iμ1/2π] ln(a) = - [Iμ2/(4π)] + F // simplify
1 = 1
The second boundary condition is thus met automatically by our solution. The first says
F = [Iμ2/(4π)] - [Iμ1/2π] ln(a) .
Finally all constants are determined, so the solution is,
Az(r) = - [Iμ1/2π] ln(r) r>a region 1

Az(r) = - [Iμ2/(4πa2)] r2 + [Iμ2/(4π)] - [Iμ1/2π] ln(a) r<a region 2
or
Az(r) = - [Iμ1/2π] ln(r) r>a region 1
Az(r) = - [Iμ2/(4πa2)] (r2-a2) - [Iμ1/2π] ln(a) r<a region 2 . (G.2.7)
This then is the complete solution to the problem for the round wire,
∇22D Az(r) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ(r≤a) B = Bθ^

θ with Bθ = - ∂rAz (G.1.7)
where the potential is "pinned" by the requirement that Az = K ln(r) for r > a.
One may now compute the B field from the potential solution (G.2.7),
399
Bθ = - ∂rAz = [Iμ1/2π]∂rln(r) = [Iμ1/2π](1/r) r>a region 1

Bθ = - ∂rAz = [Iμ2/(2πa2)] r = [Iμ2/2π](r/a2) r<a region 2 . (G.2.8)
Comment: Although only μ2 appears in the differential equation (G.1.7), once the equation is properly
solved with attention to boundary conditions, one finds that μ1 appears in Bθ in region 1, while μ2 appears
in Bθ in region 2! This is the main point of this Section G.2.
G.3 Instant solution for A using Ampere's Law, and computation of Jm
For r > a Ampere's law (1.1.37) (converted to ω space with ω = 0) says 2πrHθ = I so
Hθ = I/(2πr) => Bθ = μ1I/(2πr) [ 1 = dielectric ]

r>a region 1 (G.3.1)
=> - ∂rAz = μ1I/(2πr) => Az = - [μ1I/(2π)] ln(r) + D .
For r < a Ampere's law says 2πrHθ = I(πr2/πa2) [ the "current enclosed" ]
Hθ = I(r2/a2)1/(2πr) = I r/(2πa2) => Bθ = [Iμ2/2π](r/a2) [ 2 = wire ]

r<a region 2 (G.3.2)
=> - ∂rAz = [Iμ2/2π](r/a2) => Az = - [Iμ2/4π](r2/a2) + E .
We then set D = 0 to get Az = K ln(r) for r > 0, as done previously, and then we must match at r = a :
- [μ1I/(2π)] ln(a) = - [Iμ2/4π] + E => E = [Iμ2/4π] - [μ1I/(2π)] ln(a)
so the potential solution is then,
Az(r) = - [μ1I/(2π)] ln(r) r>a

Az(r) = - [Iμ2/4π](r2/a2) + { [Iμ2/4π] - [μ1I/(2π)] ln(a) } r<a
or
Az(r) = - [μ1I/(2π)] ln(r) r>a
Az(r) = - [Iμ2/4πa2]r2 + [Iμ2/4π] - [μ1I/(2π)] ln(a) r<a
or
Az(r) = - [μ1I/(2π)] ln(r) r>a
Az(r) = - [Iμ2/4πa2](r2-a2) - [μ1I/(2π)] ln(a) r<a (G.3.3)
This result agrees with result (G.2.7) of the previous section.
400
The Magnetization Current
It was mentioned in Section G.2 that there is no free surface current Kzfree at the wire surface. There is
in fact a bound magnetization current on this surface and inside the wire as well. Luckily, our Helmholtz
equation only "sees" conduction currents so we don't have to worry about the magnetization currents. The
magnetization current density is given by Jm = curl M where M = [μ/μ0- 1] H as shown in (1.1.20-23).
Here then is the calculation of Jm :
Mθ1 = [ μ1/μ0 - 1] Hθ1 = [ μ1/μ0 - 1] (I/2πr) r>a

Mθ2 = [ μ2/μ0 - 1] Hθ2 = [ μ2/μ0 - 1] (Ir/2πa2) r<a
or
Mθ(r) = [ μ1/μ0 - 1] (I/2πr) θ(r>a) + [ μ2/μ0 - 1] (Ir/2πa2)θ(r<a) // θ(r>a) = θ(r-a)
∂rMθ = - [ μ1/μ0 - 1] (I/2πr2) θ(r>a) + [ μ1/μ0 - 1] (I/2πr) δ(r-a)

+ [ μ2/μ0 - 1] (I/2πa2) θ(r<a) + [ μ2/μ0 - 1] (Ir/2πa2) )[ -δ(r-a)]
= - [ μ1/μ0 - 1] (I/2πr2) θ(r>a) + [ μ2/μ0 - 1] (I/2πa2)θ(r<a) + [ μ1/μ0 - μ2/μ0] (I/2πa) δ(r-a)
Jmz = [curl M]z = r-1∂r{rMθ} = r-1[ Mθ + r∂rMθ] = r-1Mθ + ∂rMθ
= [ μ1/μ0 - 1] (I/2πr2) θ(r>a) + [ μ2/μ0 - 1] (I/2πa2)θ(r<a)

- [ μ1/μ0 - 1] (I/2πr2) θ(r>a) + [ μ2/μ0 - 1] (I/2πa2)θ(r<a) + [ μ1/μ0 - μ2/μ0] (I/2πa) δ(r-a)
= [ μ2/μ0 - 1] (I/πa2)θ(r<a) + [ μ1/μ0 - μ2/μ0] (I/2πar) δ(r-a) . (G.3.4)

constant inside wire surface current
It is the discontinuity of Mθ(r) at the wire surface r = a which creates the surface current term in Jmz.
The simplest possible case to consider is the boundary at x = 0 between two half spaces of μ1 and μ2
assuming there exists a uniform constant Hy field everywhere. In this case, one would have
My1(x) = [ μ1/μ0 - 1] Hy θ(x) // Hy is continuous at the boundary by (1.1.42)

My2(x) = [ μ2/μ0 - 1] Hy θ(-x) (G.3.5)
∂xMy(x) = [ μ1/μ0 - μ2/μ0] Hy δ(x)
Jmz = [curl M]z = ∂xMy = [ μ1/μ0 - μ2/μ0] Hy δ(x) . (G.3.6)
so here there is only a surface magnetization current and no bulk magnetization current on either side.
401
G.4 Solution for Az using the 2D Helmholtz Integral
This method of finding Az is technically more difficult than the first two methods shown in Section G.2
(solving the ODE and adding a homogeneous solution to meet the boundary conditions) and Section G.3
(instant Ampere's Law solution). The method is important because our entire Chapter 4 is based on using
Helmholtz integrals to develop the theory of transmission lines, and this is one Helmholtz integral that we
can actually compute without too much effort. An important result we find is that, when μ1≠μ2, the
Helmholtz integral by itself does not supply the complete solution, and one must add in some amount of
homogeneous solution of ∇22D Az(r) = 0 to meet the required boundary conditions at r=a.
We really have a Laplace integral since β12 = 0, but the full Helmholtz integral works the same way
so we keep referring to it as a Helmholtz integral.
Recall from above:
∇22D Az(r) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ(r≤a) B = Bθ^

θ with Bθ = - ∂rAz . (G.1.7)
Using the 2D free-space Green's function (propagator) as reviewed in Appendix I equation (I.1.6),
g(x|x') = (1/2π) ln(1/R) = - (1/4π) ln(R2) R = R = |x-x'| , (G.4.1)
we may write the particular solution to (G.1.7) as the following "Helmholtz integral" [see (I.1.8)]
-AzH(r) = ∫dS' [(1/4π) ln(R2) ] [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ(r≤a)
∫0 r' dr' ∫ dθ' [(1/4π) ln(r2+ r'2- 2rr'cos(θ-θ'))] [Iμ2/(πa2)]

a π
=
-π
∫0 ∫-π dθ' ln(r2+ r'2- 2rr'cos(θ-θ'))

a π
= (1/4π) [Iμ2/(πa2)] r' dr' [ ]
μ2I
∫0
a
= 4π2a2 r' dr' [ 2 Q(r',r) ] (G.4.2)
where
∫-π dθ' ln(r2+ r'2- 2rr'cos(θ-θ')) ∫-π dθ" ln(r2+ r'2- 2rr'cos(θ"))
π π
Q(r',r) ≡ (1/2) = (1/2)
∫0
π
= dx ln(r2+ r'2- 2rr'cosx) . (G.4.3)
But we have already computed this AzH(r) in Appendix B where it was called Az(c)(r,θ), see (B.7.3) and
(B.7.4). We may therefore borrow the solution (B.7.7) to obtain the results,
402
μ2I μ2I
AzH(r>a) = - πa2 { (1/2) a2lnr } = - 2π lnr
μ2I
AzH(r<a) = 2πa2 { (a2-r2)/2 - a2lna } . (G.4.4)
The derivatives are
μ2I
∂rAzH(r>a) = - 2πr
μ2I
∂rAzH(r<a) = - 2πa2 r . (G.4.5)
Recall the two boundary conditions,
[Az(a)]1 = [Az(a)]2 .
(1/μ1) [(∂rAz)(a)]1 = (1/μ2) [(∂rAz)(a)]2 . (G.2.6)
For our particular Helmholtz integral AzH(r) we evaluate these boundary conditions to find
μ2 I μ2 I
- 2π lna = 2πa2 { (a2-a)/2 - a2lna }
μ2I μ2I
(1/μ1) [- 2πa ] = (1/μ2)[- 2πa2 a]
or
1=1
(μ2/μ1) = 1 . (G.4.6)
Thus, only in the case μ1 = μ2 does the Helmholtz particular solution meet both boundary conditions. If
μ1 ≠ μ2, we must add to the particular solution some amount of homogeneous solution of ∇22D Az(r,θ) =
0. So we then write generally,
Az(r) = AzH(r) + Azhomo(r) (G.4.7)
where we know that Azhomo(r) can only have terms α + β ln r. We then write for the two regions
μ2I
Az(r) = - 2π ln(r) + α + β lnr r>a
μ2I
Az(r) = 2πa2 { (a2-r2)/2 - a2lna } + α ' + β' lnr r<a . (G.4.8)
As earlier, we choose the zero point for Az(r) by requiring that the large r behavior be K ln(r) without a
constant added, which then means α = 0. And for r<a we must have β' = 0 to be finite at r = 0. So
403
μ2I
Az(r) = - 2π ln(r) + β lnr r>a
μ2I
Az(r) = 2πa2 { (a2-r2)/2 - a2lna } + α ' r<a (G.4.9)
μ2I
-∂rAz(r) = [ 2π - β ] (1/r) r>a
μ2I
-∂rAz(r) = πa2 (2r) r<a . (G.4.10)
The boundary conditions are then
[Az(a)]1 = [Az(a)]2
(1/μ1) [(-∂rAz)(a)]1 = (1/μ2) [(-∂rAz)(a)]2 (G.2.6)
or
μ2I μ2I
- 2π ln(a) + β lna = 2πa2 { (a2-a2)/2 - a2lna } + α '
μ2I μ2I
(1/μ1) [ 2π - β](1/a) = (1/μ2) πa2 (2a)
or
[- Iμ2/(2π) + β] lna = - Iμ2/(2π) lna + α '
(1/μ1)[ Iμ2/(2π) - β](1/a) = I/(2πa) // simplify
or
β lna = α '
Iμ2/(2π) - β = μ1I/(2π) // simplify some more
so we find that
β = I/(2π) (μ2-μ1)
α' = I/(2π) (μ2-μ1) lna . (G.4.11)
The full solution is then
Az(r) = [- Iμ2/(2π) + β] lnr r>a

Az(r) = - Iμ2/(πa2) { (1/4) (r2-a2) + (1/2) a2lna } + α ' r<a
or
Az(r) = [- Iμ2/(2π) + {I/(2π) ( μ2-μ1)}] lnr r>a
Az(r) = - Iμ2/(πa2) { (1/4) (r2-a2) + (1/2) a2lna } + { I/(2π) ( μ2-μ1) lna } r<a
or
Az(r) = I/(2π) [- μ2 + ( μ2-μ1)] lnr r>a
Az(r) = - Iμ2/(πa2) (1/4) (r2-a2) - Iμ2/(πa2) (1/2) a2lna + I/(2π) ( μ2-μ1) lna r<a
or
Az(r) = - [Iμ1/2π] lnr r>a
Az(r) = - [Iμ2/(4πa2)] (r2-a2) - [Iμ1/2π] lna r<a . (G.4.12)
404
This result matches the results (G.2.7) and (G.3.3) of the previous two methods and then gives the usual B
field solution,
Bθ = - ∂rAz = [Iμ1/2π]∂rln(r) = [Iμ1/2π](1/r) r>a region 1

Bθ = - ∂rAz = [Iμ2/(2πa2)] r = [Iμ2/2π](r/a2) r<a region 2 . (G.2.8)
G.5 Comments on the low frequency solution for Az
In Chapter 2 we compute the E and B fields inside a round wire operating at frequency ω. The results are
rather complicated and involve Bessel functions (of unusual argument phase) whose real and imaginary
parts are called Kelvin functions. The vector potential was not used in that Chapter. Here we consider
computing Az using the true Helmholtz integral rather than its Laplace approximation, and see how the
derived results might compare with the Chapter 2 results.
Comments:
1. For sufficiently low frequencies (the transmission line limit) we imagine that the ansatz assumptions
made in Section G.1 are still pretty good. The current distribution will be nearly uniform. There will
likely be some small A and A fields which can be ignored, and we still assume roughly that B = B ^
x y θ
θ
with Bθ = - ∂rAz and that we can ignore the z-dependence of Az, though we know it must vary some
small amount in order to have a long-λ wave passing down the wire. Therefore, our problem is basically
(G.1.5) for small β12,
(∇22D + β12) Az(r) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ(r<a) B = Bθ^

θ with Bθ = - ∂rAz . (G.5.1)
2. Since ∇22D = (1/r)∂r(r∂r), one could write out the above differential equation and repeat the work of
section G.2 above. The resulting B field obtained from Bθ = - ∂rAz should then agree with the low
frequency limit of (2.2.25) which applies inside the round wire,
J1(β1r)
Bθ(r) = Bθ(a) J (β a) . (2.2.25)
1 1
That low-frequency limit is
r - β12r3/8
Bθ(r) ≈ Bθ(a) a - β 2a3/8 β12 = ω2μ ξ1 . (G.5.2)
1
Certainly as ω → 0 (so β1→ 0) the result Bθ(r) = Bθ(a)(r/a) agrees with (G.2.8).
3. The 2D free-space Helmholtz propagator is shown in (I.1.7) to be
g(x|x') = (j/4) H0(1)(β1R) R = R = |x-x'|
405
where H0(1) is a Hankel function. Thus, we may write the particular solution to (G.5.1) as the following
Helmholtz integral [ see (I.1.9) ] ,
AzH(r) = ∫dS' [(j/4) H0(1)(kR) ] [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ(r≤a) R = R = |x-x'|
[Iμ2/(πa2)] (j/4) ∫ r' dr' ∫-π dθ' H0(1)(β1

a π
= r2+ r'2- 2rr'cos(θ-θ') ) . (G.5.3)
0
The dθ' integral is actually doable with this result (making use of GR7 p 726 6.684 1 and 2)
∫-π dθ' H0(1)(β1

π
r2+ r'2- 2rr'cos(θ-θ') )
= (1/2) { π J0(β1r) H0(1)(β1r')θ(r'>r) + π J0(β1r') H0(1)(β1r)θ(r'<r) } . (G.5.4)
The two dr' integrals can then be done (using GR7 p 629-630 Section 5.5) with the final result
AzH(r) = [Iμ2/(πa2)](j/4)2π (1/β1) *

⎧ r J1(β1r) r<a
{ J0(β1r) θ(a>r) [a H1(1)(β1a) - r H1(1)(β1r) ] + H0(1)(β1r) ⎨ a J (β a) r>a }. (G.5.5)
⎩ 1 1
We leave it to the reader to determine the small β1 limit of this result and see if the resulting Bθ = - ∂rAz
agrees with (G.5.2) after homogeneous solutions are added to match boundary conditions. Remember that
we only expect this result to be meaningful for low ω since we have assumed the uniform current
distribution of (G.1.3).
If one makes the small-argument approximation H0(1)(x) ≈ (2j/π)ln(x) directly in (G.5.3), the integral
replicates the Laplace result (G.4.2), so more expansion terms would be needed for this approach.
Reader Exercise: For general ω, one can use the 3D PDE (∇2+β12)Az(x) = - [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ( x2+y2 < a)
in place of the 2D PDE (G.1.5). Assume e-jkz for the z dependence and use (H.1.9) to show that,
Az(x) = ∫d3x' [e-jβ1R /4πR] [Iμ2/(πa2)] θ( x'2+y'2 < a) ] e-jkz' R = |x - x'|
∫-π dθ' ∫-∞ dz' ∫0

π ∞ a
= [Iμ2/(πa2) ] r' dr' [e-jβ1R /4πR] e-jkz' (G.5.6)
where
R2 = s2 + (z-z')2 s= r2+ r'2- 2rr'cos(θ-θ') .
Complete this calculation and try to obtain a closed form result for Az(x). The problem is difficult to set
up in the real world since Jz is non-uniform in a real wire at ω > 0 (see Chapter 2), but one could imagine
constructing a special round wire from insulated thin filaments in order to create a uniform Jz = I/(πa2) .
See Section 1.5 (e).
406
Appendix H : Poisson and Helmholtz Propagators in 3D
Appendix H: Laplace and Helmholtz Propagators in 3D
Note: Appendix I deals with these propagators in 2D rather than 3D.

__________________________________________________________________________________
H.1 Overview and Meaning of Free-Space Propagators
This appendix proves the following Facts:
Fact 1 : -∇2[1/4πr] = δ(r) (H.2.1) (H.1.1)
Fact 2 : -∇2[h(r)/r] = 4π h(0) δ(r) - h"(r)/ r (H.3.1) (H.1.2)
Fact 3 : - (∇2+k2) (e-jkr/4πr) = δ(r) (H.3.5) (H.1.3)
Throughout, ∇2 is the usual 3D Laplacian operator ∇2 = ∂x2 + ∂y2 + ∂z2. In the first and last results
above, if one replaces r → r-r' (a simple translational shift of origin) ones finds
-∇2[1/4πR] = δ(r-r') R = | r - r' | (H.1.4)
- (∇2+k2) [e-jkR/4πR] = δ(r-r') δ(r-r') = δ(x-x') δ(y-y') δ(z-z') . (H.1.5)
The quantities in brackets are known as free-space Green's Functions (Green Functions) or propagators,
or as "fundamental solutions":
1/4πR = the Laplace 3D free-space propagator (H.1.6)
e-jkR/4πR = the Helmholtz 3D free-space propagator . (H.1.7)
The last item above is the ω-domain 3D Helmholtz propagator, where k2 = ω2με. See (A.7.4) for a
discussion of the time domain version of this propagator which is the 3D wave equation propagator.
The significance of these propagators is the following:
The Poisson Equation (H.1.8)
The Helmholtz Equation (H.1.9)
The equations on the left are inhomogeneous partial differential equations driven by source function s(x).
If one is careful to include in s(x) all source contributions (such as those on boundary surfaces), one
generally does not have to add any homogeneous solutions on the right. A homogeneous solution refers to
407
-∇2 fh(x) = 0, for example. The solutions shown on the right above can be instantly verified as follows:
f(x) = ∫d3x' [1/4πR] s(x') + fh(x)
-∇2 f(x) = ∫d3x' (-∇2 [1/4πR] ) s(x') -∇2 fh(x) = ∫d3x' δ(r-r') s(x') - 0 = s(x) (H.1.10)
and similarly for - (∇2+k2) f = g.

A "free space" Green's Function gF in general is a solution of
Lr gF(r, r') = δ(r-r'), gF(r, r') → 0 as r → ∞ (H.1.11)
where Lr is some differential operator. The condition on the right says gF must vanish on the Great
Sphere. More generally one can define a full Green's function by,
Lr g(r, r') = δ(r-r'), g(r, r') = 0 for r on some closed surface

enclosing a region of interest (H.1.12)
This non-free-space Green's function is briefly discussed in the text surrounding (1.5.11). George Green
(1793-1841), by the way, was an English grain miller (his day job).
Looking at f(x) = ∫d3x' [1/4πR] s(x') = ∫ gF(x,x') [s(x') d3x'], one can say that the kernel Green's
Function gF(x,x') "propagates" a tiny piece of "source" [s(x')d3x'] from location x' to location x so that the
solution f(x) is then a sum of all such propagated contributions as the source ranges over the entire
volume of interest, which for us is all 3D space where the source is non-vanishing. See Fig 1.6.
__________________________________________________________________________________
H.2 Derivation of Fact 1: -∇2[1/r] = 4πδ(r) (H.2.1)
Proof: Let volume V be all of 3D space. Carve out from V a small spherical cavity of radius a centered at
r = 0. If we call this spherical volume Va and then V' = V - Va is the original volume with the spherical
cavity carved out:
Fig H.1
In order to show that some function g(r) = δ(r), one has to show that
408
lima→0 ∫V' dV g(r) = 0 (H.2.2a)
lima→0 ∫Va dV g(r) = 1 . (H.2.2b)
This is basically the definition of δ(r). Since δ(r) has units L-3, g(r) = g(r) has units L-3.
Our candidate function of interest is
g(r) = - (1/4π) ∇2[1/r] . (H.2.3)
Using ∇2 in spherical coordinates acting on a function of r, one finds that, since ∂r(1) = 0,
∇2[1/r] = (1/r2)∂r(r2∂r) [1/r] = 0 r>0 (H.2.4)
so that
g(r) = - (1/4π) ∇2[1/r] = 0 r>0 . (H.2.5)
Thus, condition (H.2.2a) is trivially satisfied since r > 0 everywhere in volume V'.
It remains to verify condition (H.2.2b). Consider the integral appearing on the left side of (H.2.2b)
∫Va dV g(r) = - (1/4π) ∫Va dV ∇2[1/r] = - (1/4π) ∫Va dV ∇ • ∇[1/r] . (H.2.6)
The divergence theorem (1.1.30) says,
∫V dV div F = ∫S dS • F (H.2.7)
where V is any closed volume whose surface is S, and dS points out. Using
V = Va and F = ∇[1/r] = ^
r ∂r(1/r) = -r-2 ^
r
we find that
LHS (H.2.7) = ∫Va dV div ∇[1/r] = ∫Va dV ∇2[1/r] = ∫Va dV [-4πg(r)] = -4π ∫Va dV g(r)
RHS (H.2.7) = ∫S dS • ∇[1/r] = ∫dΩ [a2 ^r ] • ∇[1/r]|r=a = ∫dΩ[a2 ^r ]• [-a-2^r ] = -4π
which tells us that ∫Va dV g(r) = 1 for any a. Thus,
409
lima→0 ∫Va dV g(r) = 1
and we have then verified (H.2.2b). Therefore we conclude that the candidate g(r) of (H.2.3) is in fact the
same as δ(r) so
- (1/4π)∇2[1/r] = δ(r) (H.2.8)

or
∇2[1/r] = - 4πδ(r) (H.2.9)
which is (H.2.1). QED

__________________________________________________________________________________
H.3 Derivation of Fact 2: ∇2[h(r)/r] = - 4π h(0) δ(r) + h"(r)/ r (H.3.1)
Proof: Start with this vector identity,
∇2(φψ) = φ∇2ψ + ψ∇2φ + 2 ∇φ • ∇ψ . (H.3.2)
This identity is valid in any number of dimensions (implied sum on i from 1 to N) ,
∂i2(φψ)= ∂i[ (∂iφ)ψ + ψ(∂iφ)] = (∂i2φ)ψ + (∂iφ) (∂iψ) + φ(∂i2ψ) + (∂iφ) (∂iψ) .
So apply (H.3.2) to the case φ = h and ψ = r-1,
∇2(h r-1) = h∇2(r-1) + r-1∇2h + 2 ∇h • ∇(r-1)
= - h 4π δ(r) + r-1∇2h + 2 [ h' ^

r • (-r-2) ^
r] // using (H.2.9)
= - 4π h(0) δ(r) + r-1∇2h - 2 r-2 h'(r) . (H.3.3)
Algebra shows that, using spherical coordinates,
∇2h = (1/r2)∂r(r2∂r)h(r) = h"(r) + (2/r)h'(r) (H.3.4)
so then
∇2(h r-1) = - 4π h(0) δ(r) + r-1 [h"(r) + (2/r)h'(r) ] - 2 r-2 h'(r)
= - 4π h(0) δ(r) + h"(r)/ r
which is the claim of (H.3.1). QED
410
Fact 3: - (∇2+k2) (e-jkr/4πr) = δ(r) (H.3.5)
This Fact is just an application of Fact 2 to the case h(r) = e-jkr :
h = e-jkr h(0) = 1 h' = -jk e-jkr h" = -k2 e-jkr
∇2[h(r)/r] = - 4π h(0) δ(r) + h"(r)/ r (H.3.1)

so
∇2(e-jkr/r) = - 4π 1 δ(r) + [-k2 e-jkr ] / r
= -4πδ(r) - k2(e-jkr/r)
Thus,
( ∇2+k2) (e-jkr/r) = - 4πδ(r)

or
- (∇2+k2) (e-jkr/4πr) = δ(r)
as claimed.
411
Appendix I : Poisson and Helmholtz Propagators in 2D
Appendix I: Laplace and Helmholtz Propagators in 2D
Note: Appendix H deals with these propagators in 3D rather than 2D. Sections I.1 and I.2 below are
basically "cut, paste and edit" versions of Sections H.1 and H.2, and we have made equation numbers
match. However, Section I.3 is something new since it involves a "special function".
__________________________________________________________________________________
I.1 Overview and Meaning of Free-Space Propagators
This appendix proves two Facts: (H0(1) is a Hankel function )
Fact 1 : -∇2[ln(1/r)/2π] = δ(r) (I.2.1) (I.1.1)
Fact 2 : - (∇2+k2) [(j/4) H0(1)(kr)] = δ(r) . (I.3.1) (I.1.2)
Throughout this Appendix, ∇2 is the usual 2D Laplacian operator,
∇2 = ∂x2 + ∂y2. and δ(r) = δ(x) δ(y) . (I.1.3)
In the two Facts above, if one replaces r → r-r' (a simple translational shift of origin) ones finds
-∇2[ln(1/R)/2π] = δ(r-r') R = | r - r' | (I.1.4)
- (∇2+k2) [(j/4) H0(1)(kR)] = δ(r-r') δ(r-r') = δ(x-x') δ(y-y') . (I.1.5)
The quantities in brackets are known as free-space Green's Functions (Green Functions) or propagators,
or as "fundamental solutions" :
1
2π ln(1/R) = the Laplace 2D free-space propagator = - ln(R)/2π (I.1.6)
(j/4) H0(1)(kR) = the Helmholtz 2D free-space propagator . (I.1.7)
The last item above is the ω-domain 2D Helmholtz propagator, where k2 = ω2με. See (A.7.7) for a
discussion of the time domain version of this propagator which is the 2D wave equation propagator.
The significance of these propagators is the following:
-∇2 f(x) = s(x) => f(x) = ∫d2x' [ln(1/R)/2π] s(x') + homogeneous solutions
The Poisson Equation (I.1.8)
- (∇2+k2) f(x) = s(x) => f(x) = ∫d2x' [(j/4) H0(1)(kR)] s(x') + homogeneous solutions
The Helmholtz Equation (I.1.9)
412
The equations on the left are inhomogeneous partial differential equations driven by source function s(x).
If one is careful to include in s(x) all source contributions (such as those on boundary curves), one
generally does not have to add any homogeneous solutions on the right. A homogeneous solution refers to
-∇2 fh(x) = 0, for example. The solutions shown on the right above can be instantly verified as follows:
f(x) = ∫d2x' [ln(1/R)/2π] s(x') + fh(x)
-∇2 f(x) = ∫d2x' (-∇2 [ln(1/R)/2π] ) s(x') -∇2 fh(x) = ∫d3x' δ(r-r') s(x') - 0 = s(x) (I.1.10)
and similarly for - (∇2+k2) f = g.

A "free space" Green's Function gF in general is a solution of
D gF(r, r') = δ(r-r'), gF(r, r') → 0 as r → ∞ (I.1.11)
where D is some differential operator. The condition on the right says gF must vanish on the Great Circle.
More generally one can define a full Green's function by,
D g(r, r') = δ(r-r'), g(r, r') = 0 for r on some closed curve

enclosing a region of interest (I.1.12)
This non-free-space Green's function is briefly discussed in the text surrounding (1.5.11).
Looking at f(x) = ∫d2x' [ln(1/R)/2π] s(x') = ∫ gF(x,x') [s(x') d2x'], one can say that the kernel Green's
Function gF(x,x') "propagates" a tiny piece of "source" [s(x')d2x'] from location x' to location x so that the
solution f(x) is then a sum of all such propagated contributions as the source ranges over the entire area of
interest, which for us is all 2D space where the source is non-vanishing.
__________________________________________________________________________________
I.2 Derivation of Fact 1: ∇2[ln(1/r)] = - 2πδ(r) (I.2.1)
Proof: Let area A be all of 2D space. Cut out from A a small circular hole of radius a centered at r = 0. If
we call this circular area Aa and then A' = A - Aa is the original area with the circular hole cut out:
Fig I.1
In order to show that some function g(r) = δ(r), one has to show that
413
lima→0 ∫A'dA g(r) = 0 (I.2.2a)
lima→0 ∫AadA g(r) = 1 . (I.2.2b)
This is basically the definition of δ(r). Since δ(r) has units L-2, g(r) has units L-2.
Comment: When any differential operator like ∇ or ∇2 is applied to ln(r0/r), the result is independent of
r0 so we can always take r0 = 1. For example, ∂x [ln(r0/r)] = ∂x [ lnr0 + ln(1/r)] = ∂x ln(1/r). In what
follows, ln(r) and ln(1/r) are always acted upon by differential operators, so we can interpret these objects
as dimensionless quantities ln(r/r0) and ln(r0/r) for any r0. Then it is clear below that dim [g(r)] = L-2.
Our candidate function of interest is
g(r) = - (1/2π) ∇2[ln(1/r)] = +(1/2π) ∇2 [ ln(r) ] . (I.2.3)
Using ∇2 in polar (cylindrical without the z) coordinates acting on a function of r, one finds that, since
∂r(1) = 0,
∇2[ln(r)] = (1/r)∂r(r∂r) [ln(r)] = 0 r>0 (I.2.4)
so that
g(r) = - (1/2π) ∇2[ln(1/r)] = 0 r>0 . (I.2.5)
Thus, condition (I.2.2a) is trivially satisfied since r > 0 everywhere in area A' for any a > 0.
It remains to verify condition (I.2.2b). Consider the integral appearing in the left side of (I.2.2b)
∫AadA g(r) = - (1/4π) ∫AadA ∇2[1/r] = - (1/4π) ∫AadA ∇ • ∇[1/r] . (I.2.6)
The divergence theorem (1.1.30) says, in 2D,
∫A dA div F = ∫
{ C ds • F (I.2.7)
where A is any closed area whose bounding curve is C, and where ds = ds ^ n where ^n is normal to C at
any given point on C. Notice that this closed area is necessarily planar since everything is 2D here. Using
A = Aa = disk of radius a and F = ∇[ln(1/r)] = ^

r ∂r(ln(1/r)) = - ^
r ∂r(lnr) = [ -r-1] ^
r
we find that
414
LHS (I.2.7) = ∫AadA div ∇[ln(1/r)] = ∫AadA ∇2[ln(1/r)] = ∫AadA [-2πg(r)] = -2π ∫AadA dA g(r)
RHS (I.2.7) = ∫C ds • ∇[ ln(1/r)] = ∫ [adθ ^r ] • ∇[ ln(1/r)]|r=a = ∫dθ [a ^r ]• [-a-1^r ] = -2π
which tells us that ∫Aa dA g(r) = 1 for any a. Thus,
lima→0 ∫Aa dA g(r) = 1
and we have then verified (I.2.2b). Therefore we conclude that the candidate g(r) of (I.2.3) is in fact the
same as δ(r) so
- (1/2π)∇2[ln(1/r)] = δ(r) (I.2.8)

or
∇2[ln(1/r)] = - 2πδ(r) (I.2.9)
which is (I.2.1). QED

__________________________________________________________________________________
I.3 Derivation of Fact 2: - (∇2+k2) [(j/4) H0(1)(kr)] = δ(r) (I.3.1)
We seek the solution E(r) of this equation
- (∇2+k2 ) E(r) = δ(r) where E(r→∞) = 0 (I.3.2)
which we write as
∇2E+ k2E = - δ(r).
In polar coordinates this says
r-1∂r(r∂rE) + k2E = - δ(r)

or
E" + r-1E' + k2E = - δ(r)
or
r2E"(r) + rE'(r) + r2k2E(r) = - δ(r) . (I.3.3)
Writing E(r) = F(kr) we get
r2k2F"(kr) + rk F'(kr) + r2k2F(kr) = - δ(r)

or
(rk)2F"(kr) + (rk) F'(kr) +(rk)2F(kr) = - δ(r)
or
z2F"(z) + z F'(z) + z2F(z) = - δ(r) where z ≡ kr . (I.3.4)
415
Away from r = z = 0, this is Bessel's equation of index 0 (NIST 10.2.1) so solutions are Bessel functions
like these,
F(z) = J0(z), Y0(z), H0(1)(z), H0(2)(z). z = kr (I.3.5)
which are Bessel functions of the first, second and third kind. The third kind functions (the H's) are called
Hankel Functions. If we assume that k has a tiny positive imaginary part (see Comments later), then of all
the functions just listed, only H0(1)(kr) has decaying behavior for large r (NIST 10.2.5, more on this
below). We therefore put forward the following candidate for a delta function
g(r) = - (∇2+k2 ) C H0(1)(kr) . (I.3.6)
Recall from Section I.2 that a successful δ(r) candidate must satisfy these two conditions (same as in the
previous section, and same figure),
lima→0 ∫A'dA g(r) = 0 (I.2.2a)
lima→0 ∫AadA g(r) = 1 (I.2.2b)
Fig I.1
Our candidate g(r) vanishes within any region A' no matter how small the hole because g(r) = 0 for any
r > 0, so the first condition is already met. It remains only to show that the second condition is also met.
We must then show that
lima→0 ∫Aa dA {- (∇2+k2 ) C H0(1)(kr)} = 1 . (I.3.7)
Since Aa is a very small disk as we approach the limit, we may use the small argument behavior of our
candidate g(r) in studying the situation. We know that
H0(1)(kr) ≈ (2j/π) ln(kr) // NIST 10.7.2 (I.3.8)
so what we need to show is that
416
lima→0 ∫AadA {- (∇2+k2) C (2j/π) ln(kr)} = 1

or
- C (2j/π) lima→0 ∫AadA { (∇2+k2) ln(kr)} = 1
or
∫0 // ∫dθ = 2π
a
- C (2j/π)2π lima→0 rdr{ (∇2+k2) ln(kr)} = 1
or
∫0
a
C (4/j) lima→0 rdr{ (∇2+k2) ln(kr)} = 1 . (I.3.9)
Now consider :
lima→0 [ ∫ rdr ln(kr)] = lima→0 [(1/4)a2{2ln(ka)-1}] = 0 .

a
(I.3.10)
0
Thus, the k2 ln(kr) term in (I.3.9) makes no contribution in the limit, so we then have to show that
∫0
a
C (4/j) lima→0 rdr ∇2 [ ln(kr)] = 1 . (I.3.11)
But (I.2.9) says that
∇2[ln(r)] = 2πδ(r) . (I.2.9)
Now
δ(r) = δ(x)δ(y) = δ(r)/2πr (I.3.12)
since
1 = ∫∫dxdy δ(x)δ(y) = ∫rdr∫dθ δ(r)/2πr = 2π∫rdr δ(r)/2πr = ∫dr δ(r) = 1 .
Therefore
∇2[ln(r)] = δ(r)/r (I.3.13)
and then
∇2[ln(kr)] = ∇2[ln(k) + ln(r)] = ∇2[ln(r)] = δ(r)/r . (I.3.14)
Inserting this last result into (I.3.11) then gives,
417
∫0
a
C (4/j) lima→0 rdr ∇2 [ ln(kr)] = 1
∫0
a
C (4/j) lima→0 rdr δ(r)/r = 1
∫0
a
C (4/j) lima→0 dr δ(r) = 1
C (4/j) lima→0 1 = 1
C (4/j) = 1 .
Thus, we have a solution if we select constant C = (j/4). Therefore, the solution to (I.3.2) is
E(r) = C H0(1)(kr) = (j/4) H0(1)(kr) . (I.3.15)
Stakgold Vol II page 55 (5.120) confirms this result where λ = k.

Therefore we have shown that
- (∇2+k2) [(j/4) H0(1)(kr)] = δ(r) (I.3.16)
which is the Fact stated as (I.3.1). QED
On page 54 Stakgold gives the solution to - (∇2+k2 ) E(r) = δ(r) for n ≥ 2 dimensions as (5.118):
Comments:
1. Complex Helmholtz Parameter and Hν(1)(z). Stakgold considers the Helmholtz parameter to be λ
which is our k2. He regards λ as a complex variable which can lie anywhere in the complex λ plane. If we
consider the function k(λ) = λ1/2, we find that it has a branch point at λ = 0. If we take the branch cut to
the right, then one of the two Riemann sheets in λ-space for this function maps to the upper half k-plane
as shown. This is the branch of λ1/2 that Stakgold selects and that is why we think of k and therefore k2
as having a tiny positive imaginary part when k is "real". The point is that we approach the positive real k
axis from above, not from below. It is this assumption that causes the large-r-decaying solution to our
problem to be H0(1)(kr) instead of H0(2)(kr) .
Fig I.2
418
As shown on NIST p 229 10.17.5,6, expansions of the Hankel functions for large argument are,
∞
Hν(1)(z) ≈ 2/π z-1/2 e+j(z-νπ/2-π/4) Σk=0 (+j)k ak(ν) z-k
∞
Hν(2)(z) ≈ 2/π z-1/2 e-j(z-νπ/2-π/4) Σk=0 (-j)k ak(ν) z-k
where ak(ν) are some real coefficients shown in 10.17.1 which we don't care about right now. The
differences are highlighted in red. Here one sees that Hν(1)(z) ~ e+jz = e-Imz ejRez. Thus Hν(1)(kr) ~
e-rImk ejrRek and as long as k is in the upper half plane as shown in the right, Hν(1)(kr) decays
exponentially (whereas Hν(2)(kr) blows up).
2. Helmholtz morphs into Laplace. We have shown that
- (∇2+k2) [(j/4) H0(1)(kr)] = δ(r) . (I.3.16)
In the limit that k << 1, it was shown above that
H0(1)(kr) ≈ (2j/π) ln(kr) // A&S 10.7.2 (I.3.8)
In this limit we then have
- (∇2+k2) [(j/4)) (2j/π) ln(kr) ] = δ(r)

or
- (∇2) [(1/2π) ln(kr) ] = δ(r)
and this is in agreement with the Laplace result (I.1.1). So as the Helmholtz equation morphs into the
Laplace equation as k → 0, the Helmholtz propagator morphs into the Laplace propagator.
419
Appendix J : The 3D→2D Propagator Transition
Appendix J: The 3D→2D Propagator Transition
Infinitely long transmission lines are -- in the transmission line limit of long wavelength -- basically 2D
objects rather than 3D objects. We see that fact appearing in various Chapters and Appendices of this
document. Here we wish to focus on this single fact.
Case 1
In Chapter 1 we presented the natural 3D view of transmission lines with equations like the following
taken from (1.5.3), (1.5.4) and (1.5.23), where we used the King gauge,
2 2
(∇ + βd )φ = - (1/ε) Σiρi ⇔
1
d
∫ e-jβdR
ρci(x',ω) R dV'
∫μ J (x',ω) e R
-jβdR
1
(∇2 + βd2)A = - ΣiμiJi ⇔ A(x,ω) = 4π Σi i i dV' . (J.1)
The Helmholtz integrals on the right are particular solutions of the PDEs on the left. The equations on the
right are derived from those on the left as shown in Appendix H where we had the more generic statement
that
The 3D Helmholtz Equation particular solution (H.1.9)
The object [e-jkR/4πR] is the 3D free-space Helmholtz propagator as discussed in Appendix H.
If it happens that f(x) = f(x,y) in this last equation, then ∂z2f = 0 and we find ourselves looking at a 2D
Helmholtz equation which has a completely different-looking particular solution, where ∇2 = ∇2D2 + ∂z2,
- (∇2D2+k2) f(x) = s(x) => f(x) = ∫d2x' [(j/4) H0(1)(kR)] s(x') + homogeneous solutions
The 2D Helmholtz Equation particular solution (I.1.9)
This is the most abrupt and simple way the transition from 3D to 2D can occur.
If k is small, meaning the corresponding wavelength λ = 2π/k is large, one can take the small k limit of
the above two particular integrals. The limit of [e-jkR/4πR] is completely obvious,
[e-jkR/4πR] → [1/4πR] (J.2)
whereas the limit of the 2D propagator [(j/4) H0(1)(kR)] is less obvious:
H0(1)(kr) ≈ (2j/π) ln(kr) // NIST 10.7.2 (I.3.8)
so that
420
[(j/4) H0(1)(kR)] ≈ - (1/2π) ln(kR) = [- (1/2π) ln(R)] - (1/2π) ln(k) . (J.3)
Momentarily ignoring the inconvenient constant - (1/2π) ln(k), one can say that
j 1 1 1
2D Helmholtz propagator = [4 H0(1)(kR)] → [- 2π ln(R)] = [-4π ln(R2)] = [2π ln(1/R) ] . (J.4)
The objects on the right of (J.2) and (J.4) and are in fact the 2D Laplace propagators which belong to this
pair of PDE's and their particular solutions,
The 3D Poisson Equation particular solution (H.1.8)
-∇2D2 f(x) = s(x) => f(x) = ∫d2x' [ln(1/R)/2π] s(x') + homogeneous solutions
The 2D Poisson Equation particular solution (I.1.8)
Since in our applications f(x) is always a potential like φ or A , and since
B = curl A E = - grad φ - ∂tA (1.3.1)
we see that a constant like - (1/2π) ln(k) added to a potential has no effect on the physical fields E and B,
so we can just ignore such constants. Another way to say this is that the zero level of a potential is always
arbitrary so additive constants are meaningless. In Chapter 4 we are only really concerned with the
potential difference V(z) or W(z) between conductors.
We can now examine some of the 3D/2D "transitions" that occurred in other parts of the document.
Case 2
In Section 4.4 we had
V(z) ≡ φ12(x1) - φ12(x2)
1 1 1
∫-∞ dz'{ ∫C ∫C
∞
= 4πξ q(z) dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R }
d 1 11 2 12
1 1
∫-∞ dz'{ ∫C ∫C
∞
– 4πξ q(z) dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') – dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R } (4.4.1)
d 1 2 22
which we obtained by assuming a separated form (4.1.2) for the charge density and by assuming a small
Helmholtz parameter β. The 1/4πR factors here are in fact the 3D Laplace free-space propagators. This
propagator has the less glamorous name of being the electrostatic potential of a (1/ε)-size point charge (in
"free space" of course), so by assuming the transmission line limit of small Helmholtz parameter β, we
421
arrive at this electrostatics Laplace propagator appearing in the integrals. These propagators are
"propagating" the effect of charges on the conductor surfaces to their destinations x1 and x2 in Fig 4.2 .
We then did the dz' integral over (-∞,∞) making use of integral (4.4.5),
1 1
∫-∞ dz' ( R12 - R22 )
∞
= ln(s222/s122) (4.4.5)
and arrived at
1
V(z) = q(z) 4πξ { ∫ dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫ dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) } .
d C1 C2
(4.4.6)
1 1
This is really four terms and one recognizes -4π ln(R2) in the form -4π ln(sij2) as the 2D Laplace
propagator just discussed above, and the sij are the 2D transverse distances shown in Fig 4.3. So here we
see a very clear example of doing the 3D → 2D transition.
Case 3
Another transition example is the "scaling boundary condition" of Section 5.3 (b). We started there with
1 1
∫-∞ dz'{ ∫C ∫C
∞
φt(x) = dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R } (5.1.2)
1 1 2 2
and we moved the observation point x far away from the transmission line. The result in this limit was
found to be
(5.3.13)
In this case, we had earlier done the following separation of the full potential
1
φ(x,y,z) = 4πε q(z) φt(x,y) (5.1.1)
d
so the limit shown for φt says
1 1 1
φ(x,y,z) ≈ (q/εd) 4π ln(s22/s12) = (q/εd) 4π ln(s22) – (q/εd) 4π ln(s12) (J.5)
and we interpret this as being the sum of the 2D free-space propagations of charges ±q(z)dz to our distant
point. We are so far from the transmission line that these charges appear as 2D point charges which form
a little electric dipole as shown in Section 5.4 (b).
422
Case 4
As a third example, we consider a simple generic situation alluded to above as our "abrupt" transition.
Start again with
- (∇2+k2) f(x) = h(x) => f(x) = ∫d3x' [e-jkR/4πR] h(x') + homogeneous solutions
The Helmholtz Equation particular solution (H.1.9)
We changed the source name from s(x) to h(x) to avoid confusion with distance s below. Assume now
that f(x) = f(x,y). What happens to the Helmholtz integral on the right?
f(x) = ∫d3x' [e-jkR/4πR] h(x') = ∫dx' ∫dy' ∫-∞ dz'

∞
h(x',y') [e-jkR/4πR]
where
s= (x-x')2 + (y-y')2 and R = s2 + z'2 .
Then
e-jkR
∫dx' ∫dy' h(x',y') 4π
1
∫-∞ dz'
∞
f(x) = R R= s2 + z'2 .
The dz' integral can be done as follows:
R2 = s2+ z'2 => RdR = z'dz'

so
e-jkR RdR e
-jkR
e-jkR cos(kR)
∫-∞ ∫-∞ z' R = ∫-∞ ∫-∞ dR
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
dz' R = dR =
R2-s2 R2-s2
cos(kR)
∫0
∞
=2 dR . (J.6)
R2-s2
Take note of the following integral in GR7 3.754.2 page 435,
which then says
cos(kR)
∫-∞ dR
∞
= K0(k -s2 ) = K0(-jks) z = -jks phase (z) = -π/2 (J.7)
R2-s2
(zeπj/2) = zj = ks
But NIST p 250 says
423
so that
K0(-jks) = π(j/2)H0(1)(ks) (J.8)
and then
e-jkR cos(kR)
∫-∞ dz' R = 2 ∫-∞ dR
∞ ∞
= jπH0(1)(ks) . (J.9)
R2-s2
Finally
e-jkR
∫dx' ∫dy' h(x',y') 4π
1
∫-∞ dz'
∞
f(x) = R R= s2 + z'2
= ∫dx' ∫dy' h(x',y') 4π jπH0(1)(ks)

1
= ∫dx' ∫dy' h(x',y')[ (j/4) H0(1)(ks)] s2 (x-x')2 + (y-y')2
e-jkR (1)
and once again we have transitioned from the 3D propagator R to the 2D one (j/4) H0 (ks).
Case 5
1 1
In the k = 0 limit the above Case becomes a transition from 3D propagator R to 2D propagator - 2π ln(s)
as follows :
f(x) = ∫d3x' [1/4πR] h(x') = (1/4π) ∫dx' ∫dy' h(x',y')

dz'
∫-∞
∞
.
s + z'2
2
But now the dz' integral is logarithmically divergent so we install a very large cutoff Λ and write
dz' dz' dz'

∫-∞ ∫-Λ/2 ∫0
∞ Λ/2 Λ/2
→ =2 = 2 ln[ z' + z'2 + s2 ] | Λ/20
s + z'2
2
s + z'2
2
s + z'2
2
= 2ln[Λ/2 + (Λ/2)2 + s2 ] - 2 ln s
424
≈ 2ln(Λ) - 2lns = -2ln(s/Λ) . (J.10)
Now we apply the argument above about ignoring constants to get,
dz'
∫-∞
∞
= - 2lns // ignoring constants
s + z'2
2
f(x) = ∫dx' ∫dy' h(x',y') (1/4π) (-2lns) = ∫dx' ∫dy' h(x',y') [-2π
1
ln(s)]
and so we have transitioned in this case from the 3D Laplace propagator to the 2D propagator.
425
Appendix K : The Network Model
Appendix K: The Network Model: Comparison of Network and Maxwell Views
(a) The Network Model
The usual network model of a 2-conductor transmission line is an infinite repetition of differentially small
R,L,C,G segments as shown here between the vertical red lines,
Fig K.1
If some load ZL is put on the right end of Fig K.1, the impedance seen from the left end is unchanged if
the segment circuit is replaced by the following equivalent circuit,
Fig K.2
where R = R1 + R2 and L = L1 + L2. In the circuit diagrams, it is implied that R,L,C,G are all quantities
per unit length of the transmission line. Thus, if the distance between the two red lines is δ, the values of
the lumped parameters in Fig K.2 are Rδ,Lδ,Cδ,Gδ. For example, if δ doubles, the total conductance of
the segment doubles since it is a measure of current flowing between the conductors. The model implied
by the picture is then the limit as δ→0.
We wish to compare this "network model" to our Maxwell equation results. To start, we note that the
impedance of a capacitor C and inductor L operating at frequency ω are determined by
Q = CV => I = ∂tQ = C ∂tV => I = jωCV => ZC = V/I = 1/(jωC)
V = L ∂tI => V = jωLI => ZL = V/I = jωL . (K.1)
Note that the "admittance" of a capacitor is YC = 1/ZC = jωC. We can then combine the G and C elements
together into a single element having y = G+jωC, since parallel admittances are additive. Similarly, we
combine the two series elements R and L into impedance z = R+jωL. The network picture is then,
426
Fig K.3
We use King's bolded symbols y and z and of course z is unrelated to distance z. Here we arbitrarily have
the z axis pointing to the left (!), and the vertical red lines are placed at z and z+dz so that δ = dz. The
impedance looking into the transmission line from the left is Z(z+dz) at z+dz and is Z(z) at z.
(b) Network Model Characteristic Impedance
Since the impedance 1/y is in parallel with the impedance z + Z(z) one has
-1 (ydz)-1 (zdz + Z(z))

Z(z+dz) = (ydz) || (zdz + Z(z)) = product over sum =
(ydz)-1 + (zdz + Z(z))
(zdz + Z(z))
= ≈ [Z(z) + zdz] [1 - (ydz)(z dz + Z(z)]
1 + (ydz) (zdz + Z(z))
≈ [Z(z) + zdz] [1 - (ydz) Z(z)] // dropping order (dz)2
≈ Z(z) + [z - yZ2(z)] dz . // dropping order (dz)2 again
Therefore Z(z) must solve this non-linear first order differential equation,
dZ(z) 2 dZ(z) 2
dz = z - yZ (z) or dz + y Z (z) = z . (K.2)
The most general solution to this equation is
z
Z(z) = th ( zy z + C ) C = constant (K.3)
y
since
z z z
∂zZ = * zy sech2( z + C ) = z [ 1 - th2( z +C)]
y y y
y 2
= z [1- Z (z)] = z - y Z2(z) .
z
If the transmission line is of finite length running from z = L (left end ) to z = 0 (right end), and if the line
is terminated at z = 0 by some impedance Zt, we must have Z(0) = Zt so that
427
z z
Zt = Z(0) = th ( zy 0 + C ) = th(C)
y y
y
=> C = th-1( Z )
z t
so then the solution is
z y
Z(z) = th [ zy z + th-1( Z ) ]
y z t
and at the left end we find
z y
Z(L) = th [ zy L + th-1( Z ) ] .
y z t
If we take L → ∞ (line becomes infinitely long) , then th [...] → 1 and we find
z
Z(∞) = ,
y
so the impedance looking into the left end of the infinite transmission line is independent of the
termination value Zt at z = 0. This infinite line impedance is called the characteristic impedance Z0 and
we have shown then that
z R+jωL
Z0 = = G+jωC . (K.4)
y
Since this is the same result obtained from Maxwell's equations in (4.12.18), one is motivated to regard
the network transmission line model as a correct model, and then the network model parameters R,L,G,C
can be identified with the parameters obtained from Maxwell's equations.
Reader Exercise: Consider this purely resistive finite ladder network shorted at the right end,
Fig K.4
428
(1) Using the results above, show that
R(L) = R3/G tanh ( R3G L ) where R3 ≡ R1+ R2 .
(2) Show that
R(L) ≈ R3/G if L >> 1/ R3G .
Thus, for large L the fact that the line is shorted at the right end makes no difference.
(3) Show that for finite L :
R(L) → R3L as G→ 0 no conductance

R(L) → 0 as R3→ 0 no wire resistance
Both limits should seem obvious.
(c) Network Model Transmission Line Equations
We now switch the z axis back to its usual direction (increasing to the right), and we label currents and
voltages on our transmission line section,
Fig K.5
Staring at the picture, it seems clear that
V(z)
i(z) - i(z+dz) = current going down through impedance 1/(ydz) = = ydz V(z)
1/(ydz)
and therefore
di(z)
- dz = y V(z) .
Meanwhile, the voltage across the impedance z is V(z) - V(z+dz) so
V(z) - V(z+dz) = i(z) z
and therefore
429
dV(z)
- dz = z i(z) .
Thus we have shown that
dV(z) di(z)
dz = - z i(z) dz = - y V(z)
with
z = R + jωL y = G +jωC . (K.5)
Differentiating these equations with respect to z, we find that
d2V(z) d2i(z)
dz2 - zy V(z) = 0 dz2 - zy i(z) = 0 (K.6)
But (K.5) and (K.6) are the same transmission line equations obtained from Maxwell's equations as
shown in (4.11.15) and (4.11.17). Thus we are further encouraged in our use of the network model to
represent a transmission line. Since the equations found from Maxwell's equations were qualified as being
questionable at very low frequencies, the network model is also suspect at very low ω.
The solutions of equations (K.6) naturally have the same form as shown in Chapter 4, for example,
V(z) = V(0) e-jkz k2 = - zy k = -j zy = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) (K.7)
(d) Network Model Parameters obtained from Maxwell's Equations
The main results of Chapter 4 appear in summary box (4.12.24) from which we quote in part,
dV(z) d2
di(z) d2
dz = - yV(z) (dz2 - zy) i(z) = 0 y = G +jωC (4.12.15,16 and 17)
z = Zs1 + Zs2 + jωLe (4.12.16) XL ≡ ωLe , XC ≡ 1/(ωC)

y = jωC' = jωC + (σd/εd)C (4.12.16) G = (σd/εd)C (4.11.15)
R = Re(Zs1+ Zs2)
L = Le + (1/ω) Im(Zs1+ Zs2)
Le = (μd/4π)K (4.10.8) and (4.12.20)

C = 4πεd/K (4.4.7) and (4.11.9a) and
G = 4πσd/K above and (4.4.10) (K.8)
430
Thus, we make the connection between the network parameters and the Maxwell calculation parameters
as follows:
R = Re(Zs1+ Zs2)
L = Le + (1/ω) Im(Zs1+ Zs2)
Le = (μd/4π)K
G = 4πσd/K
C = 4πεd/K (K.9)
where K is the dimensionless real integral in Chapter 4, see (4.4.8). Recall that this integral requires
knowledge of both the conductor geometry as well as the normalized transverse surface charge
distributions on the conductors. Here εd, μd and σd are for the dielectric between the conductors. The
effective σd appearing in G is often frequency dependent as shown in (3.3.4) [see Appendix R for an
example]. The Zsi are always frequency dependent, as discussed below.
(e) Low frequency case for round conductors (no skin effect)
At low frequencies, when conductors are not extremely close together, the current densities are close to
uniform (see for example Fig 6.16), so that Jz = I/area for each conductor. This uniformity is exact for a
conductor which is the central conductor of a coaxial cable, as studied in Chapter 2. There we found at
low frequency that
1 μ1
Zs1(ω) = σ πa2 + jω 8π // low frequency limit (2.4.12)
1
1 μ1
=> Re(Zs1) = σ πa2 and Im(Zs1) = ω 8π . (K.10)
1
From (K.9) we then find that for low frequencies and parallel round conductors,
1 1
R = σ πa 2 + σ πa 2 = Rdc1 + Rdc2 (K.11)
1 1 2 2
μ1 μ2
L = Le + ( 8π + 8π ) = Le + (Li1 + Li2) . (K.12)
In this case parameter R is just the sum of the DC resistances of the conductors (per unit length), and
parameter L is the sum of the external inductance Le and the internal inductances of the two wires. Here
σi and μi are for the material from which conductor Ci is constructed. The external inductance Le can be
interpreted as the inductance associated with the red wire loop below,
431
Fig K.6
The sides of the red loop make contact on any line on the conductor surfaces, though here we show it
having its minimal size. The red loop may in fact be replaced by any loop, possibly non-planar, which
captures all the external magnetic flux passing between the conductors. See Fig 4.11 and discussion there.
Note that Le is not the self-inductance of a rectangular thin wire loop in isolation occupying the red
outline above, but rather Le = (μd/4π)K as in (K.9) above, where K is related to the capacitance between
the conductors. If both conductors are round and very thin and separated by distance b, we know from
(4.5.7) that K = 4 ln(b/ a1a2 ) and then Le = (μd/π) ln(b/ a1a2 ).
Although we have not formally proven it, it seems clear that for arbitrary conductor cross sections (not
too closely spaced) the following equations will apply at low frequency :
1 1
R = σ A + σ A Ai = cross section area of Ci (K.13)
1 1 2 2
L = Le + (Li1 + Li2) . (K.14)
Appendix C computes the DC Li for various conductor cross section shapes. One result quoted there
from the literature is that for a square conductor,
Li = (μi/8π) [0.96639] . (C.4.12)
Thus the Li for a square cross-section conductor is barely different from that of a round conductor.
(f) High frequency case for round conductors (strong skin effect)
At high frequencies there is a pronounced skin effect. In Chapter 2 for a round conductor C1 at high
frequency (and with a symmetric current distribution) we found that
1
Zs1(ω) ≈ σ (2πa )δ (1+j) δ1 << 4a1 (2.4.16)
1 1 1
so
1 1 μ1ω
Re(Zs1) = Im(Zs1 ) = σ (2πa )δ = 2πa 2σ1
1 1 1 1
where δ1 = 2/(ωμ1σ1) is the skin depth and a1 the wire radius.
432
From (K.9) we find that for high frequencies and round conductors,
1 1
R = σ (2πa )δ + σ (2πa )δ
1 1 1 2 2 2
L = Le + (1/ω) Im(Zs1+ Zs2) = Le + (1/ω) R . (K.15)
In this case, we recognize 2πa1δ1 as the effective current carrying cross-sectional area of round conductor
C1 (the area of the current sheath), so the expression for R is quite intuitive. Since,
δ ≡ 2/ωμσ => 1/δ1 = (ωμ1σ1)/2 and 1/ω = μ1σ1δ12/2 (K.16)
we may write
1 1 1 μ1
Li(ω) = (1/ω) Im(Zs) = (1/ω) σ (2πa )δ = (1/ω) σ (2πa ) (ωμ1σ1)/2 = 2πa 2σ1ω
1 1 1 1 1 1
(K.17)
so Li(ω) ~ 1/ ω . Expressing Li instead in terms of δ1 we find
1 1
Li(δ1) = (1/ω) Im(Zs) = (1/ω) σ (2πa )δ = μ1σ1(δ12/2) σ (2πa )δ = μ1 (1/4π) (δ1/a1)
1 1 1 1 1 1
μi
= 8π [ 2 (δ1/a1) ] . (K.18)
The DC internal inductance of a thin shell of radius a and thickness d is shown in Appendix C.6 to be
1 μi
Li = μi 6π (d/a) = 8π [ (4/3)(d/a) ] thin shell, valid for d << a (C.6.8)
so the high frequency internal inductance of a round wire is the same as the DC internal inductance a shell
of thickness d = (3/2)δ which seems fairly reasonable. The above expression (C.6.8) shows that the
inductance of a thin cylindrical shell is linear in the shell thickness d, so we expect that the high frequency
Li of a round wire should be linear in δ, and thus proportional to 1/ ω .
Section 2.5 shows how to handle non-round conductors and non-symmetric current distributions by
replacing 2πa by an effective active perimeter p. Chapter 4.12 (b) formalizes this notion, giving the
effective perimeter in (4.12.10).
In Section D.10 and D.11 the claims made in the last two sections regarding surface impedance are
vindicated when one uses the surface impedance averaged over the round wire surface: see (D.10.17) for
large ω and (D.11.17) for small ω.
433
Appendix L : Point and Line Charges in Dielectrics
Appendix L: Point and Line Charges in Dielectrics
Chapter 1 states in (1.1.19) through (1.1.24) various equations concerning the magnetization of a
magnetic medium. These equation are "exercised" somewhat in Section G.3 and also in Appendix B
concerning how the transmission line theory is altered when the dielectric and conductors have different μ
values.
Chapter 1 also states in (1.1.9) through (1.1.15) corresponding equations concerning the polarization of a
dielectric medium. Although the transmission line theory assumes a dielectric between the conductors,
and in fact allows for a complex dielectric constant ξ, there has been no "exercise" of the polarization
equations, so in this Appendix some simple examples are provided.
The examples presented here are rarely presented in E&M texts perhaps because they are too simple. The
spherical problem appears in the 2nd edition of Corson and Lorrain (p 111-113) but it got replaced by a
short comment in the 3rd edition (Corson and two Lorrains) p 186.
The examples are useful to the author in that they provide a physical picture of how the potential and field
of a point or line charge are affected by the presence of a dielectric medium. In Sections L.1 and L.2 the
3D problem is solved and limits are taken of the solution. Two of these limits involve a full embedding of
the charge in the dielectric where dielectric charge shielding is exhibited. Sections L.3 and L.4 briefly
repeat the solution in two dimensions, so the results then apply to the extruded cross section.
L.1 The potential of a point charge inside a thick dielectric spherical shell.
A positive point charge q lies at the center of a spherical shell of radii b>a as follows,
Fig L.1
Inside and outside the shell of dielectric constant ε1 is empty space with ε0.
Whatever the potential φ is for the above picture, it is obviously spherically symmetric and is then
φ(r). This in turn means that the E field is just E = Er^r where Er = -∂rφ (in each region), so the E field is
434
radial. This radial E field polarizes the dielectric in the shell as suggested by the three symbolic polarized
molecules shown in the figure. If the total bound charge on the r = a surface is -Q, then the total charge on
the r = b surface must be +Q, as one would conclude imagining the entire dielectric having the form of the
three molecules shown.
One implication of this fact is that for a sphere of r > b, the total charge enclosed is just q. Applying
Gauss's law to a spherical Gaussian box of radius r > b
q = ∫V ρ dV = ∫S ε E • dS = ε0[∫dΩ] r2 E • drr
^ = ε04π r2Er (1.1.33)
=> Er0 = ( 1/4πε0) q/r2 .
The corresponding potential is
φ0(r) = (1/4πε0) q/r r>b region 0
since then Er0 = -∂rφ0(r) = (1/4πε0)q/r2. This is a special case of the fact that any spherical distribution of
charge appears outside that distribution as a point charge at the center, so φ0(r) is just the potential of a
point charge q at the origin. We then at least know φ in one of the three regions.
In regions 1 and 2 as an ansatz we assume these forms with constants α, C and D to be determined,
φ1(r) = (1/4πα ) q/r + C

φ2(r) = (1/4πε0) q/r + D .
In a spherically symmetric geometry the Laplace equation only allows harmonics that are powers rn and
each term above is one such power times a constant. A motivation for the φ2 form is that for r very close
to r = 0, the potential must be that of the point charge since everything else is then relatively far away.
We now determine constants α, C and D from boundary conditions. The three potentials and fields are
φ0(r) = (1/4πε0) q/r Er0(r) = (1/4πε0) q/r2 region 0

φ1(r) = (1/4πα ) q/r + C Er1(r) = (1/4πα ) q/r2 region 1
φ2(r) = (1/4πε0) q/r + D Er2(r) = (1/4πε0) q/r2 region 2 . (L.1.1)
The electrostatic potential must be continuous at all values of r. Why? Consider:
∫a ∫a
b b
Er = - ∂rφ Erdr = - ∂rφ dr = - [ φ(b) - φ(a) ] .
The physical electric field at any point must have a well-defined finite single value. Then for small ε
∫a
a+ε
Erdr = Er(a) ε = - [ φ(a+ε) - φ(a) ] => φ continuous at a . (L.1.2)
As ε → 0, we must have φ(a+ε) → φ(a) so φ(r) must be continuous at r = a.
435
Apply this rule at our two boundaries to find that,
(1/4πε0) q/b = (1/4πα ) q/b + C region 0/1 boundary, r = b

(1/4πε0) q/a + D = (1/4πα ) q/a + C region 2/1 boundary, r = a (L.1.3)
which is two conditions on the unknown constants α,C,D.

Meanwhile, the normal electric field boundary condition from Chapter 1 is
[ε1En1 - ε2En2] = nfree . (1.1.47)
Although there exists bound charge at each of our two boundaries, there is no free charge, so
ε0Er0(b) = ε1Er1(b) region 0/1 boundary, r = b

ε0Er2(a) = ε1Er1(a) region 2/1 boundary, r = a
or
ε0 q/ [4πε0b2] = ε1 (1/4πα ) q/b2 => 1 = ε1/α
ε0 q/ [4πε0a2] = ε1 (1/4πα ) q/a2 => 1 = ε1/α . (L.1.4)
The right side equations are the same and tell us that α = ε0. The boundary conditions (L.1.3) then say,
(1/4πε0) q/b = (1/4πε1) q/b + C region 0/1 boundary, r = b

(1/4πε0) q/a + D = (1/4πε1) q/a + C region 2/1 boundary, r = a . (L.1.5)
Subtract the first from the second to cancel the C,
D + (1/4πε0) q(1/a-1/b) = (1/4πε1)q (1/a-1/b)

so
D = (1/a-1/b)(q/4π)(1/ε1-1/ε0) = - (b/a-1)(q/4πb)(1/ε0-1/ε1) .
From the first of (L.1.5) we find
C = (q/4πb) (1/ε0-1/ε1) .
Thus the boundary conditions have determined our three constants
α = ε0
C = (q/4πb) (1/ε0-1/ε1)
D = (q/4πb)(1/ε0-1/ε1) (1-b/a) . (L.1.6)
436
The potentials in the three regions are then
φ0(r) = (1/4πε0) q/r

φ1(r) = (1/4πε1) q/r + (q/4πb)(1/ε0-1/ε1)
φ2(r) = (1/4πε0) q/r + (q/4πb)(1/ε0-1/ε1) (1-b/a) (L.1.7)
while the fields are
Er0 = (1/4πε0) q/r2

Er1 = (1/4πε1) q/r2
Er2 = (1/4πε0) q/r2 . (L.1.8)
We know that a spherical shell of charge has no effect on Er inside the shell, verifying the Er2 result. We
also know that a spherical shell acts as a point charge at the origin when viewed from outside the shell,
thus verifying Er0 which then sees a charge of q + Q - Q = q at the origin.
The following Maple plots show the continuity of φ and the jumps in Er at the boundaries
Fig L.2
φ(r) [red] and Er(r) [blue] for r in (0.5, 5)
What about the bound charge densities at r = a and r = b?
437
One must first compute polarization P, and for a region with ε, P is given by
P = ε0χeE // polarization assumed proportional to the polarizing E field (1.1.12)
so
P = ε0χeEr^r χe = (ε/ε0 - 1) => P = ε0(ε/ε0 - 1)Er^r = (ε-ε0)Er^
r.
Obviously P = 0 in regions 0 and 2, while in region 1 we have
Pr1(r) = (ε1-ε0)Er1(r) θ(r>a)θ(r<b) . // points radially outward since ε1 > ε0 (L.1.9)
From (1.1.11) the polarization charge density is then
ρpol = - div P (1.1.11)
so in spherical coordinates,
ρpol(r) = - [r-2∂r(r2Pr) + [rsinθ]-1∂θ[sinθPθ] + [rsinθ]-1∂φPφ]
= - r-2∂r(r2Pr1)
= - r-2∂r(r2[(ε1-ε0)Er1(r) θ(r>a)θ(r<b)]) // from (L.1.9)
= - r-2∂r( [(ε1-ε0)(1/4πε1) q θ(r>a)θ(r<b)] ) // from (L.1.8)
= - q(ε1-ε0)(1/4πε1) r-2∂r( [θ(r>a)θ(r<b)] )

But
∂r[θ(r>a)θ(r<b)] = ∂r[θ(r-a)θ(b-r)] = δ(r-a) θ(b-r) + θ(r-a) [-δ(r-b)]
= δ(r-a) θ(b-a) - θ(b-a) δ(r-b) = [δ(r-a) - δ(r-b)] ,

so
ρpol(r) = - q(ε1-ε0)(1/4πε1) r-2 [δ(r-a) - δ(r-b)]
= - q(ε1-ε0) (1/4πε1) { δ(r-a)/a2 - δ(r-b)/b2} . (L.1.10)
We may then read off the bound surface charge densities at r = a and b,
σinner = - (ε1-ε0) (1/4πε1)(q/a2)

σouter = (ε1-ε0) (1/4πε1)(q/b2) (L.1.11)
so
Qinner = ∫dS σinner = - (ε1-ε0) (1/4πε1)(q/a2) * 4πa2 = - (1-ε0/ε1) q
Qouter = ∫dS σouter = (ε1-ε0) (1/4πε1)(q/b2) * 4πb2 = (1-ε0/ε1) q . (L.1.12)
438
Thus the outer boundary has total charge
Q = (1-ε0/ε1) q // ranges from 0 to q (L.1.13)
and the inner boundary has -Q. If the dielectric were a conductor, we would replace ε1 → ξ1 as in (1.5.1c)
and then a perfect conductor has ξ1 = ∞ and so Q = q, as one would expect looking at Fig L.1.
L.2 Limits of the Previous Problem
(a) Point charge in a spherical cavity in a dielectric
Taking b→∞ in the previous problem removes outer region 0 and leaves us with this picture of a point
charge at the center of a spherical hole in an infinite medium of ε1 :
Fig L.3
The potentials and fields shown in (L.1.7) and (L.1.8) are then, taking b→∞,
φ1(r) = (1/4πε1) q/r

φ2(r) = (1/4πε0) q/r - (q/4πa)(1/ε0-1/ε1) (L.2.1)
Er1 = (1/4πε1) q/r2

Er2 = (1/4πε0) q/r2 . (L.2.2)
The induced bound charge density σ at r = a, and the total charge there, are still given by
σ = - (ε1-ε0) (1/4πε1)(q/a2)
-Q = (1-ε0/ε1) q . (L.2.3)
439
(b) Point charge embedded in a dielectric sphere
Here we take the limit a→0 so that region 2 of Fig L.1 goes away. Looking at (L.1.12), the total inner
surface bound charge continues to be - (1-ε0/ε1) q = - Q in this limit. It just crowds around the point
charge and of course the surface density σinner → ∞. Here is a suggestive drawing of a piece of region 1
in this limit:
Fig L.4
The limiting picture of Fig L.1 is then the following,
Fig L.5
The potentials and fields shown in (L.1.7) and (L.1.8) are then, taking a→ 0,
φ0(r) = (1/4πε0) q/r

φ1(r) = (1/4πε1) q/r + (q/4πb)(1/ε0-1/ε1) (L.2.4)
Er0 = (1/4πε0) q/r2

Er1 = (1/4πε1) q/r2 . (L.2.5)
440
Inside the dielectric the E field is Er1 = (1/4πε1) q/r2 where ε1 takes into account both the point charge q
and the bound charge crowding around it which is - (1-ε0/ε1) q. One could interpret this as saying that the
total charge at the origin is q - (1-ε0/ε1) q = q(ε0/ε1) and then E = (1/4πε0) [q(ε0/ε1)]/r2. Remember
from (1.1.15) that E sees both free and bound charge. In this last interpretation, the dielectric is shielding
the point charge, reducing it from q to q(ε0/ε1).
Outside the sphere, the E field is Er1 = (1/4πε0) q/r2, just as if the sphere were not there. The reason of
course is that the surface charge at r = b still cancels the crowded surface charge at r = 0, so outside one
sees in effect just the point charge q.
(c) Point charge embedded in an infinite dielectric medium
We now take b→∞ in Fig L.5 to remove outer region 0, with this result:
Fig L.6
There is only one region left and from (L.2.4) and (L.2.5) we get
φ1(r) = (1/4πε1) q/r (L.2.6)
while the field is
Er1 = (1/4πε1) q/r2 . (L.2.7)
The presence of the dielectric ε1 is then completely accounted for by the (1/4πε1) factor. As before, one
could interpret this as a shielded charge [q(ε0/ε1)] and E = (1/4πε0) [q(ε0/ε1)]/r2. The crowded-around
polarization charge is still -Q = - (1-ε0/ε1) q, and the positive Q that was on the r = b surface is still
present, but at r = ∞.
441
L.3 The potential of a line charge inside a thick dielectric cylindrical shell
In this section, we repeat everything done in Section L.1 in the 2D world instead of the 3D world. The 3D
Laplace propagator (1/4πε0)(1/r) becomes (1/2πε0) ln(1/r) as discussed in Appendix J. We reuse the same
drawings, the first of which is
Fig L.1'
This is now a cross section of an infinite uniform cylindrical hollow dielectric pipe. Quantity q is now a
linear charge density with dimensions Coulombs/m. Rather that copy, paste and edit Section L.1, here we
just show the altered equations and skip most of the words. The equation numbers are those of Section
L.1 with a prime added. One difference encountered is that we must take b→R (a large value) rather than
b→∞. As noted in Appendix J, a constant in a potential can be ignored even if it is infinite, and such
constants do not appear in the field E = -∇φ.
Ansatz potential forms: (to-be-determined constants are α, C, D)
φ0(r) = (1/2πε0) q ln(1/r) Er0(r) = (1/2πε0) q/r region 0

φ1(r) = (1/2πα ) q ln(1/r) + C Er1(r) = (1/2πα ) q/r region 1
φ2(r) = (1/2πε0) q ln(1/r) + D Er2(r) = (1/2πε0) q/r region 2 . (L.1.1)'
Continuity of φ at r=a and b:
(1/2πε0) q ln(1/b) = (1/2πα ) q ln(1/b) + C region 0/1 boundary, r = b

(1/2πε0) q ln(1/a) + D = (1/2πα ) q ln(1/a) + C region 2/1 boundary, r = a . (L.1.3)'
Rule for E field normal components at a boundary:
ε0Er0(b) = ε1Er1(b) region 0/1 boundary, r = b

ε0Er2(a) = ε1Er1(a) region 2/1 boundary, r = a
442
or
ε0 q/ [2πε0b] = ε1 (1/2πα ) q/b => 1 = ε1/α
ε0 q/ [2πε0a] = ε1 (1/2πα ) q/a => 1 = ε1/α . (L.1.4)'
Restated continuity of φ with α = ε1:
(1/2πε0) q ln(1/b) = (1/2πε1 ) q ln(1/b) + C region 0/1 boundary, r = b

(1/2πε0) q ln(1/a) + D = (1/2πε1 ) q ln(1/a) + C region 2/1 boundary, r = a . (L.1.5)'
Second equation minus first above:
D + (1/2πε0) q(ln(1/a)- ln(1/b)) = (1/2πε1)q (ln(1/a)- ln(1/b))

=> D + (1/2πε0) q ln(b/a) = (1/2πε1) q ln(b/a) .
Solution for the three constants:
α=ε
C = q ln(1/b)(1/2π) (1/ε0-1/ε1)
D = q ln(a/b)(1/2π) (1/ε0-1/ε1) . (L.1.6)'
The potentials in the three regions are then
φ0(r) = (1/2πε0) q ln(1/r)

φ1(r) = (1/2πε1) q ln(1/r) + (q/2π) ln(1/b) (1/ε0-1/ε1)
φ2(r) = (1/2πε0) q ln(1/r) + (q/2π) ln(a/b) (1/ε0-1/ε1) (L.1.7)'
Er0 = (1/2πε0) q/r

Er1 = (1/2πε1) q/r
Er2 = (1/2πε0) q/r . (L.1.8)'
The following Maple plots show the continuity of φ and the jumps in Er at the boundaries
443
Fig L.2'
φ(r) [red] and Er(r) [blue] for r in (0.5, 5)
What about the (now linear) bound charge densities at r = a and r = b?
P = (ε-ε0)Er^
r
Pr1(r) = (ε1-ε0)Er1(r) θ(r>a)θ(r<b) // points radially outward since ε1 > ε0 (L.1.9)'
From (1.1.11) the polarization charge density is then
ρpol = - div P (1.1.11)
so in cylindrical coordinates,
ρpol(r) = - [r-1∂r(rPr) + r-1∂θPθ + ∂zPz]
= - r-1∂r(rPr)
= - r-1∂r(r[(ε1-ε0)Er1(r) θ(r>a)θ(r<b)])
= - r-1∂r(r[(ε1-ε0) (1/2πε1) q/r θ(r>a)θ(r<b)]) // from (L.1.8)'
= - q(ε1-ε0) (1/2πε1) r-1∂r[θ(r-a)θ(b-r)]
= - q(ε1-ε0) (1/2πε1)r-1 [ δ(r-a) -δ(r-b) ] // from above (L.1.10)
= - q(ε1-ε0) (1/2πε1) [ δ(r-a)/a - δ(r-b)/b ] . (L.1.10)'
We may then read off the bound linear charge densities at r = a and b
444
σinner = - (ε1-ε0) (1/2πε1)(q/a) // Coulombs/m

σouter = (ε1-ε0) (1/2πε1)(q/b) (L.1.11)'
so
Qinner = ∫
{ ds σinner = - (ε1-ε0) (1/2πε1)(q/a) * 2πa = - (1-ε0/ε1) q
Qouter = ∫
{ ds σouter = (ε1-ε0) (1/2πε1)(q/bb) * 2πb = (1-ε0/ε1) q (L.1.12)'
Q = (1-ε0/ε1) q // exactly the same equation as in the 3D case (L.1.13)'
Here Q is the total charge/m on the outer surface of the cylindrical shell at r = b, and -Q is the same thing
at r = a. Recall that q is the charge/m of the central linear line charge.
L.4 Limits of the Previous Problem
(a) Line charge in an infinite cylindrical hole in a dielectric
Fig L.3'
The potentials and fields shown in (L.1.7)' and (L.1.8)' are then, taking b→R (some large value)
φ1(r) = (1/2πε1) q ln(1/r) + (q/2π) ln(1/R) (1/ε0-1/ε1)

φ2(r) = (1/4πε0) q/r - (q/4πa)(1/ε0-1/ε1) (L.2.1)'
Er1 = (1/2πε1) q/r

Er2 = (1/2πε0) q/r . (L.2.2)'
The induced bound charge density σ at r = a, and the total charge there, are still given by
σ = - (ε1-ε0) (1/2πε1)(q/a)
-Q = (1-ε0/ε1) q . (L.2.3)'
445
(b) Line charge embedded in an infinite dielectric cylinder
Fig L.5'
The potentials and fields shown in (L.1.7)' and (L.1.8)' are then, taking a→ 0
φ0(r) = (1/2πε0) q ln(1/r)

φ1(r) = (1/2πε1) q ln(1/r) + (q/2π) ln(1/b) (1/ε0-1/ε1) (L.2.4)'
Er0 = (1/2πε0) q/r

Er1 = (1/2πε1) q/r = (1/2πε0) [q(ε0/ε1)] / r (L.2.5)'
where the last expression shows the "shielded charge interpretation".

Outside the cylinder, the E field is Er1 = (1/2πε0) q/r, just as if the cylinder were not there.
(c) Line charge embedded in an infinite dielectric medium
We now take b→R (a large value) in Fig L.5' to remove outer region 0, with this result:
Fig L.6'
446
There is only one region left and from (L.2.4)' and (L.2.5') we get
φ1(r) = (1/2πε1) q ln(1/r) + (q/2π) ln(1/R) (1/ε0-1/ε1) (L.2.6)'
while the field is
Er1 = (1/2πε1) q/r = (1/2πε0) [q(ε0/ε1)] / r (L.2.7)'
where the last expression shows the "shielded charge interpretation". As usual, we can ignore the infinite
constant in the potential φ1(r).
447
Appendix M : Why At is small
Appendix M: Why the transverse vector potential At is small for a transmission line
Claim: In the King gauge, the transverse vector potential At may be neglected for frequencies in the
range 0 to 500 GHz. (M.1)
Overview: The vector potential is written below as At = ∫conductors dxdy Jt(x,y) * (stuff).
We shall make the following claims:
• | Jt | < 10-3 |Jz| for f = 0 to 500 GHz (which is to say: "transverse currents are small
inside the conductors") Observation 1
• in the At integral there is a cancellation effect not present in the Az integral
which in effect reduces At by a factor of 10 (ballpark) relative to Az . Observation 2
-4
• the net ballpark result is that |At| < 10 |Az| for f = 0 to 500 GHz
which is the opening claim (M.1) above. (M.16)
The conclusions of this Appendix are stated as three observations which we gather here:
Observation (1): The transverse currents Jr and Jθ are very small compared to Jz. (M.6)
Observation (2): In the Helmholtz integration (M.3) there is a large amount of cancellation. (M.8)
Observation (3): As ω decreases, ∂xAx grows in size relative to ∂zAz . (M.17)
According to (1.5.9) one can express the King gauge vector potential at all points in space in terms of the
currents in the transmission line conductors in this manner,
1
A(x,ω) = 4π Σi ∫μ i Ji(x',ω)
e-jβdR
R dV' R = | x - x' | (1.5.9)
where Σi is a sum over all the conductors, and βd is the wavenumber in the dielectric. Therefore, the
transverse part At may be written as an integral of the transverse conductor currents Jt,i :
1
At(x) = 4π Σi μi ∫ e-jβdR
Jt,i(x',y',z') R dx' dy' dz' . (M.2)
Transverse refers to the x and y directions, where the infinite conductors are aligned in the z direction.
The main current in a transmission line conductor is the longitudinal one Jz . When the above equation is
processed in the manner of Chapter 4, and one assumes the transmission line limit, the result is
1
At(x) = - 4π Σi μi ∫J t,i(x',y') ln(s2) dx' dy' . s2 = (x-x')2 + (y-y'2) (M.3)
As discussed in Section 4.3, in the transmission line limit both βd and k are small (long wavelength), so
448
e-jβdR ≈ 1 and e-jkR ≈ 1. We assume the standard wave functional form such that Jt,i(x,y,z) = e-jkz
Jt,i(x,y) and then set e-jkz ≈ 1 for the contributing portion of the dz' integration and that integration
produces -ln(s2) as in Ch 4 or (J.10).
Meanwhile, Appendix D computes the E fields inside a round conductor (radius a) for each partial wave
m, and here we multiply them each by σ to get the current density components,
1
Current Densities in a Round Wire: Rdc = σπa2 β'2 = β2 - k2 (D.9.37)
Jm(x) Jm(x)
Jz(r,m) = (1/4) σ ηm B (ωa) (β'/k) f m fm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] x = β'r xa = β'a
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
Jr(r,m) = (j/4) σ ηm B (ωa) gm gm = [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] B ≡ (ξd/εd) CV Rdc
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
Jθ(r,m) = (1/4) σ ηm B (ωa) hm hm = [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] G≥0
m+1 a m-1 a
The currents are expressed in terms of a cylindrical coordinate system whose z axis runs down the center
of the round conductor. Coefficient ηm is the "surface charge moment" of the mth partial wave, and the θ-
space currents are given by (D.1.3a),
∞
J(r,θ) = ∑ J(r,m) ejmθ . // partial wave expansion (M.4)
m = -∞
The moments ηm may be obtained by solving the transmission line "capacitor problem" as outlined in
Section 6.5 (a). One finds potential φ, then E, then surface charge n(θ), and finally ηm.
The current components are,
J = Jz^ r + Jθ ^
z + Jr^ θ = Jz^
z + Jt r + Jθ ^
Jt = Jr^ θ . (M.5)
Rather than study these round wire internal solutions in detail, we make two observations:
Observation (1): The transverse currents Jr and Jθ are very small compared to Jz. (M.6)
We examine this issue first for large ω, and then for small ω.
For large ω (skin effect regime) the partial wave fields shown above in (D.2.33) have these limiting
forms:
449
1
Large ω limits of the E field solutions : Rdc = σπa2 (D.10.13)
a (1+j)(r-a)/δ
Ez(r,m) = - (j/2) ηm B (ωa) (β/βd0) r e x = βr
a (1+j)(r-a)/δ
Er(r,m) = (j/2) ηm B (ωa) r e xa= βa
Eθ(r,m) = 0 B ≡ CV Rdc
Multiplying by σ and squaring, one finds using (1.5.1a) and (1.5.1d) that
Jr βd2 μdεdω2 μdεd

| J |2 = | β2 | = | - jωμσ | = μσ ω ≈ (εd/σ) ω .
z
If we arbitrarily require that | Jr/Jz| < 10-3, then ω must be less than
Jr
ωhi ≡ | J |2 (σ/εd) = 10-6 (σ/εd) .
z
For a copper conductor and polyethylene dielectric, we find
ωhi = 10-6 * (5.81 x 107) / (2.3 * 8.85 x 10-12) = 28 x 1011
fhi = ωhi/(2π) ≈ 4.5 x 1011 ~ 500 GHz
Thus, for high frequencies we conclude that |Jr/Jz| < 10-3 for f ≤ ~500 GHz which is beyond the
frequency used in any normal transmission line.
What about small ω? In this case the limiting forms of the fields are given by
Ez(r,m) = (1/2) ηm B (ω/k) (r/a)m (m+1) (D.11.7)


Er(r,0) = (j/2) B (ωr)
Eθ(r,0) = 0 m=0 G≥0
In this low ω situation we find that, for any partial wave m,
Jr
| J | ≈ a |k| .
z
450
The wavenumber k is given by
k = -j zy = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) . (5.3.5) (K.7)
As ω→ 0, we showed in (D.11.1) that for G > 0, k → - j RdcGdc , while for G = 0 k → 0, so the worst
case is the first situation where |k| → RdcGdc . But this is always a very small number, and we showed
that for our Belden 8281 example RdcGdc ≈ 10-8 and then |Jr/Jz| ≈ a |k| ≈ 5 x 10-12 .
Our conclusion so far is that |Jr/Jz| < 10-3 for both high frequencies and low frequencies. Showing this is
also true in the middle frequency range requires much more work, but we appeal to the general smooth
and monotonic nature of k as illustrated in Fig Q.5.7 to argue that the worst case will still be at high
frequency and thus our conclusion stands for all frequencies:
Conclusion: For frequencies from 0 to 500 GHz,
| Jr | < 10-3 | Jz |
| Jθ | < 10-3 | Jz | f = 0 to 500 GHz (M.7)
The conclusion then is that the transverse currents are less than 1/1000th of the size of the longitudinal
currents for the round copper conductor at all frequencies of interest below 500 GHz, and we can
reasonably assume that a similar conclusion applies to a conductor of any cross sectional shape (while
maintaining the transmission line limit). This then concludes our "proof" of the claim that "transverse
currents are very small" inside the conductors of a transmission line.
Observation (2): In the Helmholtz integration (M.3) there is a large amount of cancellation. (M.8)
Let us consider the nature of this integration in the illustrative case of a two round conductors,
Fig M.1
Consider the contribution to the transverse vector potential component Ax from the right conductor C2,
451
μd
Ax(x) = - 4π ∫Jx(x'2,y'2) ln(s22) dx'2 dy'2 s22 = (x-x'2)2 + (y-y'22) (M.9)
or
μd
Ax(x) = - 4π ∫ [Jr(r'2,θ'2) ^ x + Jθ(r'2,θ'2) ^
r '2 • ^ θ '2 • ^
x ] ln(s22) [a2dθ'2] dr'2 (M.10)
or
μd
Ax(x) = - 4π ∫ [Jr(r'2,θ'2) cosθ'2 - Jθ(r'2,θ'2) sinθ'2] ln(s22) [a2dθ'2] dr'2 . (M.11)
The transverse currents in conductor C2 have this partial wave expansion from (M.4),
∞
Jr(r'2,θ'2) = ∑ Jr(r'2,m) ejmθ'2 (M.12)
m = -∞
and similarly for Jθ . Thus we get
μd
Ax(x,y) = - 4π a2 Σm ∫ 2 dr'2 Jr(r'2,m) ∫ dθ '2 ejmθ'2 cosθ'2 ln(s22)
a 2π
0 0
μd
+ 4π a2 Σm ∫ 2 dr'2 Jθ(r'2,m) ∫ dθ '2 ejmθ'2 sinθ'2 ln(s22)
a 2π
(M.13)
0 0
where, from (D.2.33) quoted above,
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
Jr(r,m) = σ(j/4) ηm I Rdc (aβd) [ J (x ) + J (x ) ] x = β'r
m+1 a m-1 a
Jm+1(x) Jm-1(x)
Jθ(r,m) = σ(1/4) ηm I Rdc (aβd) [ J (x ) - J (x ) ] xa = β'a .
m+1 a m-1 a
It is in theory possible to first do the dθ'2 integration in (M.13) and then do the dr'2 integration and get an
analytic result for Ax(x,y). We have dealt with similar angle integrations elsewhere in this document.
Rather then attempt this task, we instead consider the portion of the 2D integration represented by the red
ring in Fig M.1. On this ring, r'2 is constant, and our interest is the θ'2 integration. For any value of m
(except for ±1) the trigonometric functions like ejmθ'2 cosθ'2 integrate to 0, for example,
Fig M.2
452
For these values of m, were it not for the fact that s22 varies around the red circle, Ax(x,y) would be
identically 0. Although s22 does vary on the red circle, ln(s2) varies very little, and we expect to still have
this strong cancellation in the θ'2 integral so Ax(x,y) is then small. It is true that if x and x'2 were to
approach the conductor boundary from opposite sides, then ln(s2) would vary a lot more and the
cancellation would be less, but we ignore this detail in our qualitative argument.
For m = ± 1 this smallness argument fails since for example cos2(θ'2) does not average to 0 around
the red ring. Ignoring the θ'2 variation in s22 we get in this case (setting e±jθ'2 ~ cosθ'2)
μd
Ax(x,y) ≈ - 4π a2 Σm ∫ 2 dr'2 Jr(r'2,m) ln(s22) ∫ dθ '2 cos2θ'2
a 2π
0 0
μd
≈ - 4π a2 Σm ∫ 2 dr'2 Jr(r'2,±1) ln(s22) π
a
(M.14)
0
Now we make a different argument which concerns the behavior of the complex Bessel functions as a
function of r'2. As studied in Chapter 2, these functions have a dramatically oscillating phase even in the
soft skin depth limit, and we expect then to get cancellation due to this phase as we integrate on the radial
blue segment in Fig M.1, and again ln(s22) varies slowly on this ray due to the nature of ln.
The arguments made above for Ax(x,y) also apply to Ay(x,y), and it seems reasonable to assume that
the arguments are generally valid for an arbitrary conductor cross section.
Admittedly our analysis here is imprecise and qualitative, but we think it is convincing that there is in
fact much cancellation when the transverse currents are integrated over the conductors.
This stands in stark contrast to the longitudinal situation where Az, being the Helmholtz integral of Jz,
involves a generally non-cancelling integration (per conductor) over a generally large current component.
We now wish to compare the following two integrals, where we pick component Ar to represent a
transverse component of At,
1
Ar(x) = - 4π Σi μi ∫J r,i(x',y') ln(s2) dx' dy' . s2 = (x-x')2 + (y-y'2) (M.3)
1
Az(x) = - 4π Σi μi ∫J z,i(x',y') ln(s2) dx' dy' . s2 = (x-x')2 + (y-y'2) (M.15)
We have shown in (M.7) that | Jr | < 10-3 | Jz |. Without any mathematical rigor, and allowing a factor of
10 "gain" from the cancellation effect of Observation (2), we make the following ballpark estimate,
|At| < 10-4 |Az| f = 0 to 500 GHz. (M.16)
It is assumed that as ω increases, the transmission line geometry is appropriately shrunk so the
transmission line limit remains operative.
453
Observation (3): As ω decreases, ∂xAx grows in size relative to ∂zAz . (M.17)
Notice that the Claim (M.1) says nothing about derivatives of At and Az.
Observation (3) relates to the discussion of Section 7.5 and the presence of T(z) in Appendix S. In Section
7.5 we present two arguments for ∂xAx growing in size relative to ∂zAz as ω decreases. Here we present a
third argument. We imagine that at large ω, we have | ∂zAz | >> | ∂xAx | just because |Az| is so much
larger than |Ax |. But we then argue that as ω decreases, | ∂xAx | increases in size and becomes more
important relative to | ∂zAz |.
From (M.2) we may write, using the ansatz e-jkz behavior for Jzi(x,y,z),
1
∂zAz(x,ω) = 4π Σi ∫μ i Jzi(x',y',ω) e -jkz'
e-jβdR
∂z[ R ] dV' R = |x-x'|
1
∂xAx(x,ω) = 4π Σi ∫μ i Jxi(x',y',ω) e -jkz'
e-jβdR
∂x[ R ] dV' . (M.18)
Since (∂zR) = (z-z')/R and (∂xR) = (x-x')/R it is not hard to show that
e-jβdR
∂z[ R ] = - (z-z') (1+jβdR) e-jβdR /R3
e-jβdR
∂x[ R ] = - (x-x') (1+jβdR) e-jβdR /R3 . (M.19)
It follows then that one can write
1
∂zAz(x,ω) = - 4π Σi ∫μ i Jzi(x',y',ω) I1(x',y') dx' dy'
1
∂xAx(x,ω) = - 4π Σi ∫μ i Jxi(x',y',ω) I2(x',y') (x-x') dx' dy' (M.20)
where
∫-∞ dz'
∞
I1 ≡ e-jkz' e-jβdR (1+jβdR)/R3 * (z-z')
∫-∞ dz'
∞
I2 ≡ e-jkz' e-jβdR (1+jβdR)/R3 . (M.21)
Writing z" = z-z' and then replacing e+jkz" = cos(kz") + jsin(kz") and noting that R2 = s2 + z"2 which is
even in z", one finds that
454
∫-∞ dz" [z" sin(kz")] (1+jβdR) e-jβdR/R3

∞
I1 = -j e-jkz R2 = (x-x')2 + (y-y')2 + z"2
∫-∞ dz"
∞
I2 = e-jkz [cos(kz")] (1+jβdR)e-jβdR/R3 . (M.22)
One could evaluate these integrals, but we just make the following observations. We expect both integrals
to be dominated by the region near z" = 0 since R is smallest at that point. In that region, the factor
z" sin(kz") is small if k ≈ 0 or if k is large, so I1 is not very sensitive to the value of k. But I2 is sensitive
to k. For large ω, meaning large k, the I2 integrand is chopped up by cos(kz") and I2 is small. As ω → 0
and k → 0 or some very small value, cos(kz") ≈ 1 so I2 is large. Thus, we argue that the size of I2 relative
to I1 increases as ω → 0, and this then suggests that the size of ∂xAx increases relative to ∂zAz.
455
Appendix N : Magnetic Ohm's Law and the Radial Hall Effect
Appendix N: Drude, Magnetic Ohm's Law, Regular Hall Effect, Radial Hall Effect
The first sections of this Appendix follow the general outline of notes prepared by Pengra et. al. for a
Laboratory Class at the University of Washington.
N.1 The Drude Model of Conduction
The current due to carriers of charge q and density n with drift velocity v is easily shown to be
J = nqv . dim RHS = m-3 * Coul * m/sec = amp/m2 (N.1.1)
In the classical 1900 Drude/Lorentz model (which of course predates quantum mechanics), the charges
are assumed to be electrons with charge q = - |e| and mass m = me. At this time there was no band-gap
theory, no holes, no effective mass, none of that good stuff. The density n is one electron per atom for a
metal like copper. Here are some basic numbers :
n = 8.5 x 1028 electrons/m3 // for copper
|e| = 1.6 x 10-19 Coul . (N.1.2)
If a relatively large current of 1000 Amps flows through a wire of 1 cm2 cross sectional area, one has
J = 1000 amps/ 10-4m2 = 107 amp/m2 .
The drift velocity is then
1000
v = J/(nq) = 1.6*8.5 x 104+19-28 = 7.4 x 10-4 m/sec = 0.74 mm/sec ≈ 1 mm/sec .
In this same classical vein, if the electron has thermal energy (1/2) mvth2 = (3/2) kT, one can solve for
the thermal electron velocity at room temperature,
vth ~ 100,000 m/sec .
Although this number is wrong from a quantum view, the fact that it is very much larger than the drift
velocity is correct. In the Drude theory, these fast-moving electrons are colliding with copper ions at a
high rate, and every collision results in a complete redirection of the electron. In copper the effective
mean collision time is on the order of τ = 10-14 sec. It is only between these closely spaced collisions
that the electrons have time to drift a little in the presence of an electric field. Since F = qE = dp/dt, one
concludes that Δp = qEΔt or just p = qEτ where p is the amount of drift momentum an electron picks up
between collisions. Since on average an electron on each collision dumps this momentum into the lattice,
the lattice can be regarded as a frictional or drag force acting against the electron's flow, and that force is
- Δp/Δt = - p/τ . So,
Ff = - p/τ = - (m/τ) v . (N.1.3)
456
This frictional force is proportional to velocity, as is typical for low-velocity fluid drag, and is naturally in
a direction opposite the velocity. When combined with the Lorentz force,
F = qE + qvxB (N.1.4)
and F = ma, one obtains a fairly reasonable equation describing the motion of a conduction electron,
dv
m dt = qE + qvxB - (m/τ) v . (N.1.5)
If B = 0 and the conduction is in steady-state, this says
0 = qE - (m/τ) v
or
v = (qτ/m)E . (N.1.6)
The constant appearing here is called the carrier mobility μ, so then
v = μE μ = (qτ/m) . // units of μ are tesla-1 (N.1.7)
Officially mobility is (|q|τ/m) > 0, but we shall use the signed mobility shown above.
Warning: μ is the same symbol used for magnetic permeability.
If one now installs the drift velocity (N.1.6) into (N.1.1), one gets
J = nqv = (nq2τ/m)E = σE . σ = conductivity (N.1.8)
The coefficient appearing in (N.1.8) is known as the conductivity of the medium, as we well know by
now, so the classical Drude theory is predicting that
σ = (nq2τ/m) . // σ = n q μ (N.1.9)
If one measures σ for copper, one can deduce the value of τ for the Drude model of conduction:
τ = mσ/(nq2) (N.1.10)
We know that
m = 9.109 x 10-31 kg // electron mass

σ = 5.81 x 107 mho/m // conductivity of copper (N.1.11)
so that, along with the numbers stated earlier in (N.1.2),
τ = mσ/(nq2) = 2.43 x 10-14 ~ 10-14 (N.1.12)
457
as claimed earlier.
If the electrons are moving with time dependence ejωt, the left side of the equation of motion (N.1.5)
becomes jωm v. We then get
jωm v = qE- (m/τ) v
(m/τ)(1+jωτ) v = qE
1 1
v = 1+jωτ (qτ/m)E μac = 1+jωτ μ (N.1.13)
1 1
J = nqv = 1+jωτ (nq2τ/m)E = σacE σac = 1+jωτ σ . (N.1.14)
In our analysis of transmission lines, ωτ << 1, so we may neglect this AC adjustment of the mobility and
conductivity. Roughly ωτ ≈ 1 when
ω = 2πf = 1/τ = 1014 => f ≈ 16,000 GHz (N.1.15)
so for f < 160 GHz there will be < 1% change in μ or σ in the Drude Model.
N.2 A Theory of the Hall Effect
All theories and models are deficient in some way but might still deliver a reasonable result. The Drude
model above is generally "reasonable" in this regard, though it fails to match reality in various ways. Here
we present an instant theory of the Hall Effect which correctly predicts the main result to within about
30%, but has an annoying theoretical defect noted at the end of the section.
Using the traditional directions x, y, and z, here is the classical Hall Effect picture, where we put the
origin at the center of a rectangular sample block,
Fig N.1
The idea is that current flows through a sample in the presence of an externally applied uniform
transverse magnetic field which in this case is B = Bz^
z with Bz > 0. Semiconductors have much lower
carrier densities than copper, and one can imagine for a semiconductor sample that the block above is
placed between two copper plates (gray on right) to cause the applied current to be spread out evenly in
458
the sample. This is one of several technical details we shall ignore, and we just assume the current is
spread out evenly. Typically the thickness T is made very small because this boosts the Hall voltage as we
shall see below in (N.2.6).
We imagine the two wires from the sample being connected to a battery with + on the left and - on
the right, so that I > 0, but we allow the charge carriers q to have either sign. Since the apparatus forces
I > 0, we must have sign(vx) = sign(q) so qvx > 0.
The Lorentz force acting on a carrier of charge q, along with the friction term, was shown in (N.1.5),
F = q E + q vxB - (m/τ) v . (N.1.5)
Applying this to the Hall apparatus of Fig N.1 one finds that.
F = q E + q [vx^
x ] x[Bz^
z ] - (m/τ) [vx^
x ] = q E - (qvx) Bz ^
y - (m/τ) [vx^
x] (N.2.1)
Since qvx > 0, the carriers are deflected downward regardless of their sign. After a short while, this
vertical carrier deflection causes equal and opposite surface charges to pile up on the upper and lower
plates, and this in turn creates an electric field Ey which neutralizes the deflecting force and then the
carriers move only horizontally. In (N.2.1) one then must have E = + vxBz^ y so then only the horizontal
drag force is left and F = - (m/τ) [vx^
x ]. Therefore,
Ey = vxBz . // the Hall field (N.2.2)
If q > 0, then vx > 0 and the Ey field points up, indicating positive charge on the lower plate.
If q < 0, then vx < 0 and the Ey field points down, indicating positive charge on the upper plate.
From (N.1.1) we have Jx = nqvx and also Jx = I/(WT) so
I IBz
vx = nqWT and then Ey = nqWT . (N.2.3)
One usually then defines
1
RH ≡ nq // the Hall coefficient (N.2.4)
so (N.2.3) becomes
I IBz
vx = RH WT and Ey = RH WT // the Hall field (N.2.5)
Note that sign(RH) = sign(q). The Ey field produces a potential (a voltage) between the top and bottom
faces, and since E = - ∇V,
459
dV IBz
∫0 ∫0
W W
VH = Vtop - Vbot = V(W) -V(0) = dy dy = – Ey dy = - Ey W = - RH WT * W
so
IBz
VH = – RH * T // the Hall voltage (N.2.6)
Fact: The sign of the Hall voltage VH indicates the sign of RH and thus the sign of the charge carriers! If
for some metal the carriers are holes ( in the quantum theory of metals), RH will be positive. Pre-quantum
researchers were indeed surprised when they found different signs of RH for different metals.
Using the numbers in (N.1.2), the Drude theory for copper predicts that
1
RH ≈ n(-|e|) = -.73 x 10-10 // Drude theory (N.2.7)
as shown by this Maple calculation where we have included units,
This is not too far from the measured and quantum-correct value of -0.55 x 10-10 (though the literature
seems a bit unsure of this number). This is an impressive success of the classical Drude theory.
As claimed earlier, and as seen in (N.2.6), making thickness T very small makes VH larger so it can be
measured with a voltmeter one can afford to place in a student lab. Typical numbers for a student lab
experiment might be
T = 18 microns = 18 x 10-6 m // a thin film of copper

W = 1 cm = 1 x10-2m
Bz = 5000 gauss = 0.5 T
I = 10 amps (N.2.8)
so that, according to the Drude theory,
460
so we end up for this experiment with
Ey = - 2 mV/m Hall field

VH = 20 μV Hall voltage
vx = - 0.4 mm/sec drift velocity (N.2.9)
1
Recall that RH = nq . Since the carrier density n in a semiconductor is much smaller than in a metal, RH
and VH are much larger, so practical Hall devices become more feasible. But our theory has to first be
generalized to two types of carriers (electrons and holes), and this is done in Section N.6 below.
A Hall effect sensor exists in almost every fan in every personal computer in the world. Since the fan has
some rotating permanent magnets, the Hall sensor can detect the rotational position and speed of the
blades and most importantly detects when the fan has stopped rotating altogether (pulses stop). In general,
Hall sensors are used to measure magnetic fields, and can be used as simple magnetic switches.
And now comes the "theoretical defect" of our Hall effect analysis. Assuming that Ohm's Law J = σ E is
operative in the Hall sample, and since there is an internal field Ey in the sample, there should be a
corresponding and uniform current density Jy = σ Ey in the sample. Unfortunately, at the top face (for
example) this current has no place to go, so something is wrong. This problem will be dealt with in
Section N.5 below.
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N.3 The Cyclotron Frequency
When a charged particle travels through an empty region of space having a uniform B field and no E
field, the equation of motion (N.1.5) becomes (dot means time derivative),
mv• = q vxB . (N.1.5)
^ so then
Assume that B = Bz
q vxB = [vx^
x + vy^
y + vz^ ^] = - vxqBy
z ] x [qBz ^ + vyqBx
^
so
mv•x = vyqB => v•x = ωcvy => ••
v x = -ωc2vx
mv•y = -vxqB v• = - ω v
y c x
••
v = -ω 2v
y c y
mv• = 0
z v•z = 0 where ωc ≡ (qB/m) . (N.3.1)
Looking at the 2nd order ODE for vx we may write the general solution for vx in terms of two constants R
and φ in this way
vx = -Rωcsin(ωct + φ) => vy = (1/ωc) v•x = - Rωccos(ωct + φ)
so that
v= vx2+vy2 = Rωc = (RqB/m) (N.3.2)
vx = - Rωcsin(ωct + φ) => x = R cos(ωct + φ) + x1

vy = - Rωccos(ωct + φ) => y = -R sin(ωct + φ) + y1
v z = vz => z = vzt + z0 (N.3.3)
so
(x-x1) = R cos(ωct + φ)
(y-y1) = - R sin(ωct + φ) => (x-x1)2 + (y-y1)2 = R2
(z-z0) = vzt . (N.3.4)
In the x,y dimension the particle goes around in a circle of radius R at rate ωc (clockwise if ωc > 0), while
in the z direction of B it moves at some constant velocity, resulting in a circular or slinky spiral trajectory.
The angular frequency ωc is known as the cyclotron frequency, named after a charged-particle
accelerator invented in 1932 by Lawrence known as a cyclotron, see wiki and left drawing below. In this
machine particles traverse an outward-going spiral (different from the one just mentioned) because they
are accelerated by an AC electric field driving two hollow D-shaped conductors of a capacitor enclosing
the particle beam. As v increases, R must increase as shown above in (N.3.2). The capacitor is driven at
the cyclotron frequency ωc so the accelerating E field is in sync with the circular particle motion. Since
ωc ≡ (qB/m), this frequency has to be reduced if the charged particle bunch being accelerated reaches
relativistic speeds and m increases.
462
The circular motion of charged particles in a uniform B field is also used to identify particles
produced in high energy collisions inside particle accelerator detectors. Since v = RqB/m from (N.3.2), if
the particle m and q is known, the speed v and hence energy can be determined from R, and the sign of q
can be found from the CW or CCW nature of the particle path. Alternatively, if the energy and speed are
known from "calorimetry" and a charge q is assumed, the mass m of the particle can be found from R.
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/cyclot.html CERN
The Cyclotron Particle Tracks (B field out of paper) Fig N.2
N.4 Steady-state Electron Motion with E and B fields: Magnetic Ohm's Law
We start again with the motion equation for an electron in copper,
dv
m dt = qE + qvxB - (m/τ) v . (N.1.5)
We now seek a steady-state solution, so the equation becomes
(m/τ) v = qE + qvxB . (N.4.1)
Making use of the signed mobility μ = qτ/m shown in (N.1.7), we can write (N.4.1) as
v = μE + μvxB
or
v - μvxB = μE . (N.4.2)
The plan is to solve this equation for v and then to obtain the current density using J = nqv from (N.1.1).
Recall that Ohm's Law says J = σ E, but with B present, Ohm's Law will be different. For simplicity, we
again assume B = B ^ z . Then
μ vxB = [vx^
x + vy ^
y + v z^
z ] x [μ B ^ ^ + vyμBx
z ] = - vxμBy ^
463
so that (N.4.2) becomes
[vx^
x + vy^
y + vz^ ^ + vyμBx
z ] - [- vxμBy ^ ] = [μEx^
x + μEy^
y + μEz^
z ]
which may be decomposed into the following three equations,
vx - μBvy = μEx
vy + μBvx = μEy
vz = μEz . (N.4.3)
The first two equations may be expressed in matrix form
⎛ 1 -μB ⎞ ⎛ vx ⎞ = μ ⎛ Ex ⎞ (N.4.4)
⎝ μB 1 ⎠ ⎝ vy ⎠ ⎝ Ey ⎠
and then
⎛ vx ⎞ = μ ⎛ 1 -μB ⎞ -1 ⎛ Ex ⎞ . (N.4.5)
⎝ vy ⎠ ⎝ μB 1 ⎠ ⎝ Ey ⎠
Maple tells us
so then
⎛ vx ⎞ = μ ⎛ 1 μB ⎞ ⎛ Ex ⎞ = μ ⎛ Ex + μBEy ⎞ . (N.4.6)
⎝ y⎠
v 1+(μB) 2
⎝ -μB 1 ⎠ ⎝ y⎠
E 1+(μB) 2
⎝ Ey - μBEx ⎠
But using (N.3.1) that ωc ≡ (qB/m) one finds that
μB = (qτ/m)B = (qB/m)τ = ωcτ (N.4.7)
so the solutions above, combined with the known third solution vz = μEz, become
464
1
vx = μ( Ex + ωcτ Ey) 1+(ω τ)2
c
1
vy = μ (Ey - ωcτ Ex) 1+(ω τ)2
c
vz = μEz . (N.4.8)
We have found our solution for v ! To find J, use (N.1.1) that J = nqv and the fact that
nqμ = nq(qτ/m) = (nq2τ/m) = σ // from (N.1.7) and (N.1.9) (N.4.9)
to find that (in agreement with (10) of Pengra),
1
Jx = σ (Ex + ωcτ Ey) 1+(ω τ)2 ωc ≡ (qB/m)
c
1 ^
Jy = σ (Ey - ωcτ Ex) 1+(ω τ)2 B = Bz
c
Jz = σEz . σ = (nq2τ/m) (N.4.10)
The is the "Magnetic Ohm's Law" which, in the presence of B = B ^

z , replaces the usual Ohm's Law,
Jx = σEx
Jy = σEy
Jz = σEz (1.1.7)
In matrix notation one can express (N.4.10) as
⎛ Jx ⎞ ⎛ σc σc ωcτ 0 ⎞ ⎛ Ex ⎞
⎜ Jy ⎟ = ⎜ - σc ωcτ σ 0 ⎟ ⎜ Ey ⎟
1
where c = 1+(ω τ)2 (N.4.11)
⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ c
⎝ Jz ⎠ ⎝ 0 0 σ ⎠ ⎝ Ez ⎠
or
⎛ σc σc ωcτ 0 ⎞
J=ΣE Σ= ⎜ - σc ω τ σ 0 ⎟ (N.4.12)
⎜ c
⎟
⎝ 0 0 σ ⎠
Since J and E are 3-vectors, the matrix Σ is a rank-2 tensor under rotations.
Fortunately, as will be shown below, the magnetic field strength in a transmission line is small enough so
that ωcτ << 1, which means that the normal Ohm's Law is justified despite the presence of B fields.
465
N.5 Theory of the Hall Effect Revisited
We replicate the Hall geometry from above, where recall that B = Bz^
z :
Fig N.1
Looking at the drawing, and recalling the small "defect" in the theory of Section N.3, and staring at the
Magnetic Ohm's Law (N.4.10), we insist that Jy = 0 at least at the top and bottom faces, since as noted
earlier, this current "has nowhere to go" in the steady state. Since things are generally uniform in this slab
of material, we make the ansatz that Jy ≡ 0 everywhere in the sample. The second equation of (N.4.10)
then says
Ey - ωcτ Ex = 0 => Ey = ωcτ Ex (N.5.1)
When this is inserted into the first equation we find, along with the other two equations of (N.4.10),
1
Jx = σ (Ex + ωcτ [ωcτ Ex]) 1+(ω τ)2 = σ Ex
c
Jy = 0
Jz = σEz . (N.5.2)
There is no reason to have Ez ≠ 0 since the electrons are only deflected up and down. Moreover, we
would like to have Jz = 0 on the front and back face, so Ez ≡ 0 is the obvious choice.
Then from (N.5.1) we must have (the last three factors on the line below are each unity ),
ωcτ Jx I qBz/m σ
Ey = ωcτ Ex = ωcτ [Jx/σ] = σ * J TW * ω * nq2τ/m
x c
1 I Bz
= nq * TW . (N.5.3)
This is the Hall field ! The Hall voltage is then
1 I Bz I Bz 1
VH = – EyW = nq * T = – RH T RH = nq . (N.5.4)
466
This is the same as the Hall field and voltage obtained in our previous derivation, as shown in (N.2.5) and
(N.2.6). But now we end up with Jy = 0 so there is no vertical current having nowhere to go, nor is there
front-back current, and we also have Jx doing the regular Ohm's Law as shown in (N.5.2)
Jx = σEx
Jy = 0
Jz = 0 . (N.5.5)
This seems a more complete solution to the Hall problem than that of Section N.2.
N.6 Theory of the Hall Effect with Multiple Carrier Types
Let index i label the types of carriers. The developments of Sections N.1 through Section N.4 carry
through as is, but everything now has an i index. For example, we now have
J = Σiniqivi (N.1.1) (N.6.1)
vi = (qiτi/mi)E = μi E μi = (qiτi/mi) = signed mobility (N.1.7) (N.6.2)
σi = niqi μi = niq (qiτi/mi) = (niqi2τi/mi) (N.1.9) (N.6.3)
vi - μivixB = μiE . (N.4.2) (N.6.4)
This leads to solutions for velocities vi ,
1
vxi = μi( Ex + ωciτi Ey) 1+( ω τ )2 ωci ≡ (qiB/mi)
ci i
1
vyi = μi (Ey - ωciτi Ex) 1+( ω τ )2 μi = (qiτi/mi)
ci i
vzi = μi Ez (N.4.8) (N.6.5)
and we can define the total conductivity as
σ ≡ Σ i σi . (N.6.6)
The current densities from (N.6.1) and (N.6.5) are then, using also (N.6.3) that σi = niqi μi ,
1
Jx = Σi σi [ ( Ex + ωciτi Ey) 1+( ω τ )2 ] ωci ≡ (qiB/mi)
ci i
1
Jy = Σi σi [ (Ey - ωciτi Ex) 1+( ω τ )2 ] ωciτi = (qiτiB/mi) = Bμi
ci i
Jz = Σi σi Ez = Ez Σi σi = Ez σ . (N.6.7)
467
At this point it is useful to define objects α and β having the dimensions of conductivity, and a third
object which is γ = β/B :
1
α ≡ Σi σi 1+( ω τ )2
ci i
ωciτi μi
β ≡ Σi σi 1+( ω τ )2 = B Σi σi 1+( ω τ )2
ci i ci i
μi
=Bγ γ ≡ Σi σi 1+( ω τ )2 . (N.6.8)
ci i
In terms of α and β we rewrite (N.6.7) as
Jx = α Ex + βEy
Jy = α Ey - βEx
Jz = Ez (Σi σi) = Ez σ . (N.6.9)
Our Hall effect geometry again requires that Jy = 0 and that Jz = 0 ("nowhere to go") ,
Fig N.1
so the second equation of (N.6.9) says
α Ey = βEx
or
Ey = (β/α) Ex // = the Hall field (N.6.10)
and this Ey is the Hall-effect electric field in the case of multiple carrier types. Inserting this into the first
equation of (N.6.9) gives
Jx = α Ex + βEy = α Ex + β (β/α) Ex = [ α + β2/α ] Ex (N.6.11)
so our triplet of current densities is now
Jx = [α + β2/α] Ex
Jy = 0
Jz = 0 . (N.6.12)
The conductivity appearing in the Jx equation we define as σmr so that
Jx = σmr Ex σmr = α + β2/α = α(B) + B2 γ(B)2/α(B) (N.6.13)
468
where we must remember that α, β and γ all depend on B through each ωciτi = Bμi. In general, we have
σmr ≠ σ, so the Hall sample has a conductivity in the main current direction x which depends in a
complicated manner on field B. This effect is called magnetoresistance. However, if there is only one
carrier type, one finds that σmr = σ (see below) and there is then no magnetoresistance effect, as we
already saw in the first equation of (N.5.2).
The Hall field can be written
Ey = (β/α) Ex = (β/α) [ α + β2/α ]-1 Jx = (β/α) [ α + β2/α ]-1 I / (WT)
β Bγ γ
= α2+β2 I / (WT) = α2+Bγ2 I / (WT) = α2+Bγ2 B I / (WT) (N.6.14)
and then the Hall voltage is

γ
VH = - EyW = - α2+B2γ2 B I / T (N.6.15)
and the Hall coefficient is
γ γ(B)
RH = α2+β2 = [α(B)]2+[β(B)]2 . (N.6.16)
Unlike the single-carrier case, RH now depends on B in a complicated manner. Just to verify the single
carrier case we evaluate:
1 ωcτ 1
α = σ 1+(ω τ)2 β = σ 1+(ω τ)2 γ = σ μ 1+(ω τ)2
c c c
1 γ σμ
α2 + β2 = σ2 1+( ω τ)2 RH = α2+β2 = σ2 = μ/σ = (qτ/m) / (nq2τ/m) = 1/(nq)
c
σmr = α + β2/α = (1/α)( α2 + β2) = σ2/σ = σ . // no magnetoresistance (N.6.17)
If we take the magnetic field B small enough so that ωciτi << 1 for all carrier types (a normal situation),
where recall that ωci ≡ (qiB/mi), there is considerable simplification. One finds that,
1
α ≡ Σi σi 1+( ω τ )2 ≈ Σi σi = σ
ci i
ωciτi ωciτi
β = Σi σi 1+( ω τ )2 ≈ Σi σi 1 << Σi σi 1 << σ
ci i
α2 + β2 ≈ α2 ≈ σ2
μi
γ = Σi σi 1+( ω τ )2 ≈ Σi σiμi . // signed mobilities ! (N.6.18)
ci i
469
Then,
γ Σi σiμi Σi σiμi
RH = α2+β2 ≈ σ2 = (Σ σ )2 . (N.6.19)
i i
For two charge carrier types this gives [recall (N.6.3) that σi = niqi μi] ,
σ1μ1 + σ2μ2 n1q1 μ1 μ1 + n2q2 μ2 μ2

RH = (σ1+σ2) 2 = (n1q1 μ1 + n2q2 μ2)2 . (N.6.20)
Now suppose 1 = hole and 2 = electron so q1 = -q2 = |e|. Then,
2 2
1 n1μ1 - n2μ2
RH = |e| (n μ - n μ )2 // signed mobilities μ = (qτ/m), weak B field (N.6.21)
1 1 2 2
or
2 2
1 n1μ1 - n2μ2
RH = |e| (n μ + n μ )2 // unsigned mobilities, μ = (|q|τ/m), weak B field (N.6.22)
1 1 2 2
The last result is in agreement with Eq. (13) of our Pengra et. al. reference. The Hall coefficient could
have either sign!
N.7 The Radial Hall Effect in a Round Wire
The author has had difficulty finding a treatment of this subject, but it must exist somewhere.
Consider an "isolated" infinitely long round wire of radius a carrying static current I. We use cylindrical
coordinates r,θ,z with the symmetry axis along the wire center line. It is often casually claimed that the
current density Jz in such a wire is uniform throughout the cross section and that there is no charge
density on the surface. Here we wish to explore these claims.
In cross section, the situation is as follows:
Fig N.2
Each electron sees the magnetic field B created by all the other flowing electrons. At any azimuthal
location θ, the electrons are deflected toward the center line by this B field, causing a free charge
470
distribution inside the wire which results in a radial field component Er. This radial Hall field then offsets
the deflection resulting in all electrons flowing exactly in the z direction.
This problem differs from the regular Hall effect problem studied in Sections N.2 and N.5 in two
major ways: (1) The magnetic field is generated by the flowing current under study, it is not externally
applied; (2) the magnetic field is non-uniform and in fact is a function of r.
We shall use the method of Section N.5 to determine the Er field and the associated charge
distribution. The three unit vectors ^x, ^
y, ^
z of that section can be replaced by the cylindrical unit vectors ^
r,
^
θ, ^
z where the usual cyclic sense of unit vector cross products is then maintained. In a cross section of the
round wire, r and θ are then "the usual" polar coordinates, while the z axis comes out of the plane of
paper.
Since the situation is static, one must have curl E = 0 . But in cylindrical coordinates,
r [ r-1∂θEz - ∂zEθ] + ^
curl E = ^ θ [∂zEr - ∂rEz] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rEθ) - r-1∂θEr ] .
1 2 3 4 5 6
We certainly expect to have Eθ = 0 at r = a since the round wire surface should be an electrostatic
equipotential, and it seems reasonable to have Eθ = 0 everywhere inside the wire, so we set Eθ= 0 as an
ansatz in a search for a Maxwell-Equations solution, and this knocks out terms 2 and 5 Any term with ∂z
must also vanish since the wire is static and infinite in length, killing off terms 2 and 3. Since the wire is
in isolation, the field pattern must be azimuthally symmetric, so ∂θ terms vanish, killing off 1and 6.
Having thus removed terms 1,2,3,5,6, we are left only with term 4 so
curl E = ^
θ [- ∂rEz] . (N.7.1)
Since the static situation requires curl E = 0, we end up with
∂rEz(r,θ,z) = ∂rEz(r) = 0 => Ez(r) = constant . (N.7.2)
Recalling from Section N.4 that Ohm's Law can be affected by magnetic fields, we now make a second
ansatz which is that the regular Ohm's Law applies in the z direction. We then obtain
Jz(r) = σ Ez(r) = constant Jz = uniform (N.7.3)
and in this way we arrive at a uniform Jz in the wire, but we need to verify that our assumptions made so
far are consistent with other requirements. Given then that Jz is constant in r and θ, we can compute the
magnetic field inside the wire from Ampere's Law in the usual fashion,
πr2 I μ0I
2πr H(r) = πa2 I => H(r) = 2πa (r/a) => B(r) = 2πa (r/a) ^
θ = B(r) ^
θ (N.7.4)
Here we make a third ansatz that the other two B field components are 0. Note that μ0 is magnetic
permeability, while μ to appear below is the (signed) electron mobility.
At this point, we recall the static equation (N.4.2) arising from the Lorentz force and collision friction,
471
v - μvxB = μE (N.4.2) (N.7.5)
and we solve for v using the method of Section N.4. First,
r + vθ ^
μ vxB = [vr ^ z ] x [μ B ^
θ + vz ^ θ ] = vr μ B ^
z - vz μ B ^
r
r + vθ ^
v = vr ^ θ + vz ^
z
Then (N.7.5) becomes
r + vθ ^
[vr ^ θ + vz ^
z ] - [vr μ B ^
z - vz μ B ^ r + μEθ ^
r ] = μEr ^ θ + μEz ^
z
which may be decomposed into the following three equations ( here in z,r,θ order),
vz - μ B vr = μEz
vr + μ B vz = μEr
vθ = μEθ . (N.7.6)
We note that the first two equations of (N.7.6) have the same form as the first two equations in (N.4.3)
which were
vx - μBvy = μEx
vy + μBvx = μEy (N.4.3)
Taking then the previous solution with (x,y) → (z,r) we find from (N.4.8) that
1
vz = μ( Ez + ωcτ Er) 1+(ω τ)2
c
1
vr = μ (Er - ωcτ Ez) 1+(ω τ)2
c
vθ = μEθ (N.7.7)
where we have carried down the third equation from above. Recall that the cyclotron frequency ωc enters
the picture since μB = ωcτ as shown in (N.4.7). However, now since B = B(r), we have ωc = ωc(r) =
qB(r)/m. Nothing in the development of Section N.4 precluded the B field from having spatial
dependence because no spatial derivatives (like curl or div) were involved.
The next step is to use (N.1.1) that J = nqv and the fact (N.4.9) that nqμ = σ to obtain,
1
Jz = σ ( Ez + ωcτ Er) 1+(ω τ)2 ωc ≡ (qB/m)
c
1
Jr = σ (Er - ωcτ Ez) 1+(ω τ)2 B=B^
θ
c
Jθ = σEθ . σ = (nq2τ/m) (N.7.8)
472
Since the radial current at the surface "has nowhere to go" we set Jr = 0 just as we set Jy = 0 in the Hall
effect analysis of Section N.5. One then finds
Er = ωcτ Ez (N.7.9)
where Er is a radial Hall field. Insertion of (N.7.9) into the first line of (N.7.8) gives
1
Jz = σ ( Ez + ωcτ [ωcτ Ez]) 1+(ω τ)2 = σEz (N.7.10)
c
and then our current components are
Jz = σEz
Jr = 0
Jθ = 0 (N.7.11)
where in the last line we have applied our ansatz that Eθ = 0. Our earlier assumption that the regular
Ohm's Law applies in the z direction is now self-consistently born out.
The radial Hall field from (N.7.9) is
Er(r) = ωc(r)τ Ez = (qB(r)/m) τ Ez = (qτ/m) B(r) Ez = μ B(r) Ez // (N.1.7) for μ
μ0 I Jz
= μ * 2πa (r/a) * σ // (N.7.4) for B(r) and (N.7.11) for Ez
μ μ0I I 1 μ0I2
= σ * 2πa (r/a) * πa2 = nq * 2π2a3 (r/a) // (N.1.9) for μ/σ
μ0I2
= 2π2a3nq (r/a) ≡ Es (r/a) (N.7.12)
where
μ0I2
Es ≡ Er(a) = 2π2a3nq volts/m . // Es < 0 since q = -|e| (N.7.13)
The three electric field components are then
Ez = I / (πa2)
Er = Es (r/a)
Eθ = 0 . (N.7.14)
We may then compute div E,
473
div E = r-1∂r(rEr) + r-1∂θEθ + ∂zEz = r-1∂r(rEr)
= r-1∂r(r[Es(r/a)]) = (Es/a) r-1∂r(r2) = (Es/a) r-12r = (2Es/a) (N.7.15)
Since div E = ρ/ε0 , we conclude that there must be a constant free charge density inside the wire,
ρ = ε0(2Es/a) . (N.7.16)
In a slice of the round wire of length dz, the total internal charge is
Q = ρ * (area) * dz = ρ πa2 dz = ε0(2Es/a) πa2 dz = ε0(2πaEs)dz . (N.7.17)
Since this charge had to come from somewhere, we conclude that the outer surface of the wire slice has
charge - Q and surface charge density ns
ns = -Q/(2πadz) = - ε0(2πaEs)dz / (2πadz) = -ε0Es , (N.7.18)
a result one could also obtain from a gaussian box at the surface. Outside the wire, each charge density
acts as a line charge at the wire center and they cancel out, so there is no external Hall field.
There exists a Hall voltage between the wire surface and the wire's center line,
dV
∫0 ∫ ∫
a a a
VH = V(a) - V(0) = dr dr = – E r (r) dr = – (E s /a) r dr
0 0
μ0I2 1 μ0I I 1 I
= -(a/2)Es = -(a/2) 2π2a3nq = - nq * 2πa * 2πa = – nq * Bθ(a) * 2πa (N.7.19)
so
1
VH = – RH [Bθ(a)/2π] I/ a RH = nq (N.7.20)
which we compare to the normal Hall effect result (N.2.6)
VH = – RH Bz I / T . // the Hall voltage (N.2.5)
The RH is the same in both geometries, but the thickness T is replaced by radius a, and the uniform Hall B
field is replaced by Bθ(a)/2π. We make this arbitrary partitioning of the factors since radius a seems the
distance that most corresponds to thickness T of the normal Hall effect.
It is certainly unclear how one would measure this radial Hall voltage, since it is rather difficult to
place one of the voltmeter probes on the center line of a round copper wire, but doubtless this could be
managed in some manner.
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Radial Hall Effect Hypothetical Experiment
We have shown in (N.7.19) that
μ0I2 μ0I2 μ0
VH = -(a/2)Es = -(a/2) 2π2a3nq = - 4π2a2nq = - 4π2nq (I/a)2 . (N.7.21)
We would like to maximize I/a in order to maximize VH, but we don't want our wire to melt. According to
http://www.powerstream.com/wire-fusing-currents.htm, a fairly large I/a ratio of 45 (SI) is provided by an
AWG #16 copper wire having a diameter d = 1.29 mm and a fusing current of 117 amps, so we shall run
this lab experiment optimistically with I = 100 amps. What voltage VH might one observe? We have
Maple evaluate these quantities:
μ0I2
Es = 2π2a3nq volts/m
VH = -(a/2)Es volts
vz = Jz/nq = (I /πa2) (1/nq) = I/(πa2nq) m/sec
The results are then
Er(a-ε) = Es = - 0.17 mV/m

VH = 56 nV
vx = -18 mm/sec (N.7.22)
which can be compared with the results of our "regular" Hall effect experiment shown in (N.2.9). The
Hall field is about 10x smaller, the Hall voltage about 350x smaller, and the drift velocity 45x larger.
The Hall field just below the surface is Er(a) = Es = - 174 μV/m and decreases linearly to 0 at the
wire center. Just outside the surface the field is zero since it is cancelled by the surface charge.
The internal charge density ρ and the surface charge density n are then,
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The internal constant negative charge density ρ is very small and represents an excess of about 1 electron
for every 1021 conduction electrons. The positive surface charge ns is also tiny, being a deficiency of only
10,000 electrons per square meter.
One reason the radial Hall effect is small is that the self-created B field is relatively small. On the
right above Maple shows our lab example field is Bθ(a) = .03T = 300 gauss, whereas in the Section N.2
the external B field was assumed to be 0.5 T = 5000 gauss.
So why were we allowed to ignore the self-generated B field in the regular Hall effect of Fig N.1?
Presumably the "radial" Hall effect due to the (not shown) self-generated B field will create an internal
and surface charge distribution pattern (and an internal Hall field) in Fig N.1 that is mirror-symmetric in
the y = 0 plane. Thus, the regular Hall field Ey gets equal and opposite radial Hall effect contributions
above and below this plane and is therefore not affected by superposing the two problems.
Reader Exercise: Calculate the "radial Hall effect" for a rectangular wire like that in Fig N.1
Conclusions. In the above analysis, we made certain assumptions (Eθ = 0, Jz = σEz, and B = Bθ ^ ) in
seeking a solution for the E and B fields of an isolated, axially symmetric infinite round wire carrying
static current I. We found a solution which satisfies all four Maxwell equations, and since solutions are
unique, that is the solution to the problem. The characteristics of this solution are:
1. There exist no radial or azimuthal current densities inside the wire, Jr = Jθ = 0. The only current
density is Jz .
2. This current density Jz is uniform over the wire cross section, so Jz = I/(πa2).
3. The regular Ohm's Law applies to Jz, so that Jz = σ Ez.

μ0I
4. The magnetic field inside the wire is given by B(r) = 2πa (r/a) ^
θ.
5. In order to balance internal radial Lorentz deflections of the current-carrying electrons, a very small
internal radial Er Hall field exists inside the wire which is directed toward the center line and has the
form
μ0I2
Er(r) = Es (r/a) where Es = - 2π2a3n|e| . (N.7.12)
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6. Associated with this radial Hall field is a very small, negative, constant free charge distribution inside
the wire which is given by
ρ = ε0(2Es/a) Q = ρ πa2 dz = ε0(2πaEs)dz
7. This fact contradicts (but in a very small way) the claim of Section 3.1 that there can be no free charge
inside a conductor. That section did not include the possible effect of magnetic fields.
8. This negative volume charge is extracted from the wire surface which then has a positive surface
charge which is equal and opposite to Q shown above. Observed from outside the wire, the electric fields
of these two charge distributions exactly cancel, resulting in no external radial E field.
9. We refer to the last items 5,6,7,8 above as "the radial Hall effect", for want of a better term.
10. It is hard to imagine how would might measure this effect.
N.8 Magnetic Ohm's Law for Arbitrary B
Section N.4 developed a Magnetic Ohm's Law for B = Bz^. Now allow B(x) to point in a general direction
with components B1, B2 and B3 and consider a DC static situation. Equation (N.4.2) then says,
κv= E +vxB where κ ≡ 1/μ // μ = (qτ/m) from (N.1.7) (N.8.1)

or
κv1 = E1 + v2B3 - v3B2
κv2 = E2 + v3B1 - v1B3
κv3 = E3 + v1B2 - v2B1 . (N.8.2)
Notice that dim(κ) = dim(B) = Tesla. Maple solves this vector equation for the velocity components vi :
477
From (N.1.8) and (N.1.9) we know that J = nqv = (σ/μ)v = κσ v . Extracting the vi from the above Maple
solution and multiplying by κσ we get
(N.8.3)
which is our new and very complicated tensor Magnetic Ohm's Law in the presence of an arbitrary E and
B field. That is to say, we have J = Σ E where Σ is a 3x3 matrix which is a function of the Bi. If we could
ignore the three Bi components (set them to zero in the above equations), the equations would reduce to
the regular Ohm's Law Ji = σEi. This is in effect the case if |Bi| << |κ| for all three components of B. So
a condition for the tensor Ohm's Law reducing to the regular Ohm's law is this,
|Bi| << |κ| κ = 1/μ μ = (qτ/m) κ = (m/qτ) , (N.8.4)
so we need then
|Bi| << (m/|q|τ) . // same as | ωc,iτ | << 1 where (ωc,iτ) ≡ (qBi/m) (N.8.5)
For copper, we compute κ = m/qτ using numbers from Section N.1,
Our conclusion is that "regular Ohm's Law" is applicable as long as |Bi| << 569 Tesla. Even the largest
practical B fields are far below this number. From wiki:
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So even the Large Hadron Collider designers and frog levitators can use regular Ohm's Law (along with
the writer of Chapter 1 and Appendix D of this document).
So why do we need to use the Magnetic Ohm's Law when dealing with the Hall Effect which has a
relatively small B field? Recall (N.4.10),
1
Jx = σ (Ex + ωcτ Ey) 1+(ω τ)2 ωc ≡ (qB/m)
c
1 ^
Jy = σ (Ey - ωcτ Ex) 1+(ω τ)2 B = Bz
c
Jz = σEz . σ = (nq2τ/m) (N.4.10)
In the Hall experiment of Fig N.1 we must have Jy = 0 and that means we cannot ignore the second term
in the Jy expression above, which implies Ey = ωcτ Ex as in (N.5.3). Were we to prematurely set ωcτ = 0,
the Hall effect would go away since then Ey = 0. Although ωcτ << 1, Ey is still a finite value, albeit a
very small finite value.
One can repeat the above analysis to get a tensor Magnetic Ohm's Law for a monochromatic AC
situation by replacing κ → κ [ 1 + jωτ ] in (N.8.1), based on (N.1.5) with ∂t → jω. As shown at the end
of Section N.1, for copper ωτ << 1 for f << 16,000 GHz, so this κ replacement has a miniscule effect and
our conclusions above still apply.
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Appendix O : Plotting Field Lines
Appendix O: How to plot 2D magnetic field lines
Maple 18 and earlier versions can plot field lines (flow lines) given a function and a starting point using a
certain vector calculus library package. Here we review the theory of such plots and show how the plots
can be made directly. The methods given here can easily be generalized to make 3D plots.
(a) Statement of the Problem
One is given two functions Hx(x,y) and Hy(x,y) which describe a 2D vector field H(x,y). This field can be
directly plotted in Maple in terms of little arrows as shown for example in Fig C.2 (code shown there)
using the Maple fieldplot command (this is for a rectangular conductor with a uniform current density),
Fig O.1
But we want field lines, not field arrows. One can vaguely deduce the field lines from the above picture,
but we want a precise plot.
(b) The Brute Force Method
To track a field line, one can write a small spatial displacement dr in the direction of H,
dr = ds H(r) . (O.1)
The field line plotting code is then (pseudo Maple syntax)
ds = .01 // some small number relative to the problem at hand

r[1] = r1 // pick some starting point of interest for a field line
for n from 1 to 100 do
dr = ds * H(r[n]) // compute a small displacement in the direction of H
r[n+1] = r[n] + dr // update position for use in next iteration
od
plot the list of points r[n] // this is then a field line (listplot, pointplot, etc) (O.2)
One might gussy up the code to prevent wasted computation in locations where H is very small, perhaps
^ = H / |H| in each iteration then doing dr = ds * H
computing H ^ . A different kind of improvement would
be to use some kind of quadratic Simpson's Rule affair.
480
The code above works fine, but error can build up for any finite ds. When a field line is a closed
curve, the error can become visible where the line returns to its starting point, as in the drawing below
which shows some brute-force-method H fields lines corresponding to Fig O.1 above,
Fig O.2
The field lines may seem a little surprising given the look of Fig O.1, but here is a superposition with the
rectangles lined up,
Fig O.3
(c) The ODE Method
We outline now an alternate (and doubtless well-known) method of plotting field lines. We imagine that
the description of our field H can be described by a pair of parametric equations (not yet known),
x = X(s)
y = Y(s) (O.3)
where s is a real parameter. It follows that
dx = (dX/ds)ds dr = (dX/ds)ds ^
x + (dY/ds)ds ^
y
dy = (dY/ds)ds . (O.4)
We alter (O.1) by adding a "speed function" α(s) just because this might simplify calculations later. This
function α is an arbitrary positive-definite function of parameter s. So,
481
dr = α(s) ds H . (O.5)
Then (O.4) and (O.5) give
α(s) ds H = (dX/ds)ds ^
x + (dY/ds)ds ^
y
α(s) ds [Hx(x,y) ^
x + Hy(x,y) ^
y ] = (dX/ds)ds ^
x + (dY/ds)ds ^
y
α(s) Hx(x,y) = (dX/ds)

α(s) Hy(x,y) = (dY/ds) // component equations
(dX/ds) = α(s) Hx(X(s),Y(s))

(dY/ds) = α(s) Hy(X(s),Y(s)) . // using (O.3) (O.6)
This is a pair of coupled, non-linear, first order differential equations. Conveniently, Maple knows how to
numerically (and quickly) solve such a set of equations using its dsolve command (NDSolve in
Mathematica). Given the solutions X(s) and Y(s), it is then a simple matter to plot the field lines. This is
done in the following example.
Example: Magnetic field lines for a two-cylinder transmission line
In this example we assume that the current density in each conductor is uniform over the conductor cross
section. This assumption is incorrect for a properly terminated transmission line as shown in Section 6.5,
but is valid at DC and low ω for a finite-length pair of parallel wires perhaps shorted at one end to form a
closed circuit. Nevertheless, we make the uniform current density approximation for a transmission line
just to have a simple plotting example.
Our first task is to derive expressions for the magnetic field components Hx and Hy. Consider this
drawing of the transmission line cross section (radii are a1 and a2, center separation b) :
Fig O.4
Current I flows into the plane of paper for the left conductor, and out of the plane for the right. We must
do a vector addition of the two magnetic fields,
482
H = H1(r1) ^
θ 1 + H2(r2) ^
θ2 (O.7)
where
^
θ 1 = -sinθ1 ^
x + cosθ1^
y
^
θ 2 = -sinθ2 ^
x + cosθ2^
y. (O.8)
From Ampere's Law for each conductor, as shown in (B.4.1) and (B.4.2), the field magnitudes are
H1(r1) = (I/2π) [ θ(r1>a1) (1/r1) + θ(a1>r1) (r1/a12)]

H2(r2) = -(I/2π) [ θ(r2>a2) (1/r2) + θ(a2>r2) (r2/a22)] (O.9)
where θ(x>y) = H(x-y), the Heaviside step function. One then has from (O.7),
H = H1(r1) [-sinθ1 ^
x + cosθ1^
y ] + H2(r2)[ -sinθ2 ^
x + cosθ2^
y]
= [ - sinθ1H1(r1) - sinθ2 H2(r2)] ^

x + [cosθ1 H1(r1) + cosθ2 H2(r2)] ^
y .
But
cosθ1 = (x/r1) sinθ1 = (y/r1)

cosθ2 = ((x-b)/r2) sinθ2 = (y/r2) (O.10)
so
H = [ - (y/r1)H1(r1) - (y/r2) H2(r2)] ^
x + [(x/r1) H1(r1) + ((x-b)/r2) H2(r2)] ^
y
and the magnetic component fields are then
Hx = - (y/r1) H1(r1) - (y/r2) H2(r2) r1 2 = x 2 + y 2

Hy = (x/r1) H1(r1) + ((x-b)/r2) H2(r2) r22 = (x-b)2 + y2 . (O.11)
We now enter the expressions (O.11) and (O.9) for the field components into Maple, setting the current
arbitrarily to I = 2π units. Both conductor radii are set to 0.5 unit with center separation 1.25 units :
The conventional Maple "field plot" can then be done this way :
483
where the two red circles show the conductor surfaces,
Fig O.5
Again, we get a vague feel for what the field lines might look like. We now compute these field lines
using the ODE method. So after the first block of code shown above we add instead the following:
484
The two unapply commands formally make Hx_ and Hy_ functions of variables x and y.
The two equation lines define ODE's eq1 and eq2 which are none other than (O.6) with α(s) = 1.
We decide to plot Ncurves = 16 field lines indexed by J.
The Maple dsolve command numerically solves the ODE's with x0 = J*b/(Ncurves+1) and y0 = 0 as the
starting point for the curve J. Maple returns its solution as two numerically interpolated functions
X(s) and Y(s) which are just those functions we assumed we had in (O.3).
Special code finds an appropriate range for parameter s so curves just close on themselves, or get
truncated if they go beyond a set range.
Finally, the odeplot command plots the parametric functions X(s) and Y(s) to create the field lines in
certain display data structures called p[J] for J = 1 to 16. The PLOT command makes the rectangle in
p2 and finally the display command shows the results.
Even on an ancient PC, this code runs in about 15 seconds.
Here is the resulting plot where we have made the conductor perimeters black and the field lines red:
485
Fig O.6
Outside both conductors, the magnetic field is the same as it would be for conductors of a tiny radius, as
the reader can verify by staring at (O.9). Here is the same plot with a1 = a2 = .01 :
Fig O.7
Reader Exercise: Use H(x,y) as stated in (C.4.7), with F in (C.4.6), to plot field lines using the ODE
method. Compare with the brute force method results shown in Fig O.2.
486
(d) The Analytic Method
The reader may notice a striking similarity between the last plot above and Fig 6.2 which displays some
Circles of Apollonius. The magnetic field lines of two parallel thin wires are indeed such circles, and this
can be shown using the following third method of plotting field lines.
From (O.5) that dr = α(s) ds H we may write
dy = α(s) ds Hy
dx = α(s) ds Hx (O.12)
so
dy
dx = Hy/Hx // right side is ratio "rat" in the code below (O.13)
or
dy
Hx(x,y) dx = Hy(x,y) . (O.14)
This is a first-order non-linear ODE for which Maple (or the reader) may be able to solve analytically for
the solution y(x) which is then an analytic expression for the field line. For two thin wires, here is Maple's
analytic solution using the dsolve command in its default analytic mode,
Renaming the constant _C1 to be "c", and squaring the solutions shown above, one finds that
487
(x-xc)2 + y2 = r2
xc = b/4+c r2 = c2 - bc/2 - 3(b/4)2 (O.15)
where recall that b is the separation of the two thin wires. Thus, the field lines are in fact circles with
centers on the x axis.
Reader Exercise :
1. Using the data presented in Bipolar Coordinates and the Two-Cylinder Capacitor , show that the set of
circles found above are Apollonian circles with these Apollonian parameters,
a = b/2
ξ = ch-1[(b/4+c)/( c2 - bc/2 - 3(b/4)2)] (O.16)
2. Why might one expect Apollonian Circles for the B field lines in this magnetostatics problem, knowing
that such circles also describe the potential contours of the electrostatics problem of two cylinders?
[ Hint: See (5.3.10) and (5.3.11) with β2 = k2 and (3.7.19) concerning the relation between Az and the B
field lines.]
488
Appendix P : Eddy Currents and the Proximity Effect
Appendix P: Eddy Currents and the Proximity Effect
The Maxwell curl E equation (1.1.2) and its integral form are,
curl E = - ∂tB ⇔ ∫
{ C E • ds = -∂t[∫S B • dS] . (1.1.36)
The integral form is often written as Eemf = -∂t[magnetic flux] and one says that a changing magnetic
flux through a loop induces a voltage Eemf (an "electro motive force") in that loop which then drives a
current around the loop if the loop lies in a conducting medium. This is Faraday's Law of Induction and
the loop of interest is usually a thin wire or coil of such wires inside, say, an electric generator. The wire
or coil of wires is attached to some Rload and some current I flows through the loop and load. There is
Ohmic loss I2Rloop in the generating loop(s), but if Rload >> Rloop this loss is minimal in the context of
the generator.
When the loop lies inside an open conducting medium, things become more complicated and the
currents which are then driven around mathematical loops in that medium are called eddy currents. The
word eddy suggests the way water swirls around in a constrained environment when driven by wind or
water currents (see Fig P.4 below). Just as the water flow velocity can have no normal component at a
boundary (a steep river bank for example), an electrical eddy current generally has no normal component
at a boundary of the conductor. An exception to this rule occurs if the eddy current is feeding a charge
density on the outer surface of that boundary, and this exception would apply to water flow as well if a
bank were shallow and could act as a temporary reservoir of water. The analogy is not exact, but the word
eddy is apt.
In practical terms, eddy currents are normally seen as undesirable, as in a transformer core, since they
represent Ohmic loss which results in power waste and heating of the core (Rload = 0). Sometimes,
however, eddy currents are useful, such as in non-destructive testing for internal cracks in metal parts, as
noted below. Other eddy current applications include induction heating, object movement and levitation,
and braking.
There are whole books on the subject of eddy currents, and the web reveals a plethora of papers and
theses on eddy current applications. However, simple analytic examples of eddy current problems are
hard to find. The general theory is quite complicated, and we present below a simplified approach which
suits are limited purposes.
In this Appendix we explore the nature of eddy currents and compute these currents for some simple
situations. We then show how one can interpret both the skin effect and the proximity effect (non-uniform
current densities in nearby conductors) in terms of eddy currents.
489
P.1 Eddy Current Analysis
Consider this drawing,
Fig P.1
An external apparatus has time-varying current density Jext flowing in some wires and creates a time-
varying magnetic field Bext .
We now bring in a Device Under Test (DUT) to obtain a new picture:
Fig P.2
For simplicity we assume that the DUT is non-magnetic (μ = μ0) and is a good conductor with
conductivity σ. We therefore ignore displacement currents inside the DUT, in accordance with the
discussion below (2.2.2). Permeability ε applies to the region outside the DUT.
Iterative Interpretation
We now imagine the analysis of the E and B fields to take place in the following iterative sense, where
we alternately consider the two Maxwell curl equations:
E(0) = 0 we assume no zeroth order electric field anywhere

curl Bext = 0 because Jext = 0 outside the external apparatus
490
curl E(1) = -jωBext time-changing Bext creates E(1) everywhere (Faraday)

E = E(0) + E(1) = E(1) which is superposed onto the existing E(0) = 0
Jeddy(1) = σ E(1) E(1) inside the DUT creates Jeddy(1) in the DUT
curl Beddy(1) = μJeddy(1) Jeddy(1) in the DUT creates Beddy(1) in the DUT (Ampere)
curl Beddy(1) = jωε E(1) and Beddy(1) also exists outside the DUT where Jeddy = 0 .
B = Bext + Beddy(1) This new Beddy(1) is superposed onto the original Bext
curl E(2) = -jω Beddy(1) Beddy(1) in turn results in a further adjustment to E (Faraday)
E = E(1) + E(2) which is then superposed onto the existing E
Jeddy(2) = σE(2) This new adjustment to E causes an adjustment in Jeddy

curl Beddy(2) = μJeddy(2) This in turn causes an adjustment to Beddy in the DUT
curl Beddy(2) = jωε E(2) and outside the DUT
B1 = Bext + Beddy(1) + Beddy(2) which is then superposed onto the existing B field.
and so on. (P.1.1)
Eventually we arrive at this situation inside the DUT :
curl (E(1) + E(2) + ....) = -jω (Bext + Beddy(1) + Beddy(2) + ...)
curl (Bext + Beddy(1) + Beddy(2) + ...) = μσ (E(1) + E(2) + ....)

= μ (Jeddy(1) + Jeddy (2) + ....) (P.1.2)
which, when all is said and done, is just an iterative interpretation of Maxwell's curl equations inside the
DUT,
curl E = -jωB
curl B = μJ = μ(σE) (P.1.3)
B = Bext + Beddy(1) + Beddy(2) + ...

E = E(1) + E(2) + ...
J = Jeddy(1) + Jeddy (2) + .... (P.1.4)
One hidden assumption above is that Jext is not affected by the eddy currents and their fields, and we
imagine this is implemented by some kind of current source control in the external apparatus.
Writing the solution of Maxwell's equations iteratively of course does not resolve the inherent
complexity of the problem. For example, in the step above where we imagine computing Beddy(1), we
have to compute Beddy(1) inside the DUT using curl Beddy(1) = μJeddy(1) and then we have to compute
Beddy(1) outside the DUT using curl Beddy(1) = jωε E(1), and then we have to match the values of
Beddy(1) on the DUT boundary. This is a full-blown boundary problem that requires much effort to solve
for a general DUT and is further complicated if the DUT is made of magnetic material.
491
Small ω
Looking at the above series of iterative steps, it would appear that if ω is in some sense "small", the series
shown above for B,E and J are highly convergent and can be well approximated by the first one or two
terms. In this situation, we have in essence a perturbation theory solution where ω is the smallness
parameter. For very low frequencies, the key steps in the above iterative sequence are these:
curl E(1) = -jωBext

Jeddy(1) = σ E(1) (P.1.5)
which we combine to get
curl Jeddy(1) = -jωσBext (P.1.6)
and this will be the basis for the quantitative calculations of our first two examples below. Since ω is
small, Jeddy(1) is small. The next iterative step
curl Beddy(1) = μJeddy(1) (P.1.7)
then results in a small Beddy(1), and then
| Beddy(1)| << | Bext| . (P.1.8)
Although we present no formal proof, it seems likely that our simple perturbative eddy current analysis
can only be viable at a frequency low enough that the skin depth δ is large compared to the dimensions of
the DUT.
Larger ω
If ω is not small, we can still write (P.1.3) as
curl E = -jω(Bext + Beddy)

curl (Bext + Beddy) = μJeddy = μσE (P.1.9)
but the perturbation series interpretations of Beddy, Jeddy and E are not meaningful since they (probably)
don't converge. In this case, we have a single monolithic problem that must be solved all at once by some
method other than our simple iterative eddy current analysis starting with (P.1.6). What happens at higher
frequencies is this: the external field Bext still creates eddy currents in the DUT, but these currents in turn
generate Beddy fields which are large enough that they significantly alter Bext within the DUT and one
must then deal with B ≡ Bext + Beddy as the true field which is causing those eddy currents. In this case,
one can combine the two Maxwell curl equations into a wave / Helmholtz equation as we have done in
(1.2.2) and later in (1.5.27) and (1.5.32), and then one must solve that Helmholtz equation subject to
appropriate boundary conditions, both inside and outside the DUT. In effect we did this for an isolated
round wire in Chapter 2 and the solution there involved rather complicated E and B fields (recall the
Kelvin functions) exhibiting skin effect and a rapidly winding phase as shown in Figure 2.9.
492
Despite the difficulty of the solution for larger ω, we know a solution exists, and we can make
qualitative observations about that solution based on the results of our simple low-ω example solutions.
We shall do this below to provide an eddy current interpretation of both the skin effect in a round wire,
and the proximity effect in a transmission line.
ECT Application
In typical Eddy Current Testing (ECT) systems, the frequency used might range from 10Hz to 1500 Hz.
The idea of an ECT system is to try to detect Beddy using a sensitive Hall Effect or SQUID device, and
take note of the field pattern produced by a DUT which is "known good" (has no internal cracks in the
metal). An internal crack in a bad DUT will alter Jeddy in some way, which in turn causes an alteration in
Beddy which can hopefully be detected. Due to the skin depth penetration issue, the useful depth of such
non-destructive testing systems might be up to 15 mm (ballpark). Higher ω generates a larger signal,
gives more accuracy on the defect size and location, but penetration depth is less, so there is always a
tradeoff. Often scans at different ω values are optimal for different depths of the defect. ECT is a subject
of much current interest and many papers have been and are being written.
P.2 Eddy currents in a thin round plate in a uniform B field
To reduce symbol clutter, in this section we use the following notation in relation to Section P.1 :
B ≡ Bext J ≡ Jeddy(1) (P.2.1)
A thin round plate of radius a and thickness h lies centered in the z = 0 plane of a cylindrical coordinate
system. This plate is the Device Under Test (DUT) for this problem. An unseen external apparatus creates
a time-varying and spatially uniform magnetic field B = B ^ z perpendicular to the plate. The problem is to
compute the electric field E in the plate, and the corresponding eddy currents J = σE. The region
surrounding the plate is assumed non-conducting, perhaps it is air.
Faraday's Law and symmetry imply circular closed electric field lines in the plate. We are perhaps more
used to magnetic field lines being closed since div B = 0, but here we have closed electric field lines since
div E = 0 inside the plate (since there is no free charge inside the plate, see Section 3.1). We assume
sufficiently low ω so skin depth δ >> h ( recall δ ≡ 2/(ωμσ) ) so the E field lines are uniform in the z
direction of the plate thickness. This is the implication of the word "thin" in discussing a "thin plate". In
this drawing, the plate is gray, and some of the circular closed E field lines are shown in red,
493
Fig P.3
The magnitude of the E field is constant on each circle due to symmetry. The field lines are drawn
clockwise since we know by Lenz's Law that the associated eddy currents produce a B field opposed to
the applied B field.
Since ω is small, we may use our first perturbation theory expansion term (P.1.6),
curl Jeddy(1) = -jωσBext . (P.1.6)
Setting J ≡ Jeddy(1), B ≡ Bext, J = σE, and jω → ∂t, this says,
curl E = - ∂tB ⇔ ∫
{ C E • ds = -∂t[∫S B • dS] (P.2.2)
which we recognize as the Maxwell curl E equation and its integral form as shown in (1.1.36). Section P.1
has provided a context and an interpretation of the symbols B, E and J = σE appearing in (P.2.2).
Note: The last paragraphs of Appendix N explain why Ohm's Law is still valid despite the presence of
magnetic fields. We assume in Fig P.3 that B << 569 tesla.
Consider now a circle at radius r. We then have from the right equation of (P.2.2),
• • •
Eθ * 2πr = - B πr2 => Eθ(r) = - B πr2/2πr = (-B /2) r . (P.2.3)
The E field is linear in r, and is reminiscent of the result for the H field inside a round wire which carries a
DC current I,
H * 2πr = I πr2/πa2 =< H(r) = I r2/a2 / 2πr = (I/2πa2)r . (C.3.9)
Notice that the E field-line circles continue outside the plate and under and over it, but there will only be
current in the plate. Here then is our result for E and J inside the plate:
• •
E(r) = Eθ(r) ^
θ Eθ(r) = (-B /2) r Jθ(r) = σ (-B /2) r . (P.2.4)
494
We digress momentarily to study the heat loss generated in the plate. Consider a thin cylindrical shell of
height dz and radius r and thickness dr. Think of this as a circular wire of rectangular cross section dA =
dzdr. The current in this wire is given by,
dI = Jθ dA = Jθ dzdr . (P.2.5)
The resistance of the wire is dR = ρ L/dA = ρ 2πr/(dzdr) where ρ = 1/σ. The power burned from P = I2R is
dP = (dI)2dR = [Jθ dzdr]2 * ρ 2πr/(dzdr) = Jθ2 [dzdr] * ρ 2πr
• •
= Jθ2 2πrρ dr dz = [σ (-Bz /2) r]2 2πrρ dr dz = (π/2)σ Bz2 r3 drdz . (P.2.6)
Now integrate over the plate thickness h to replace dz by h. Then integrate r from 0 to a to get
• •
P = (π/2)σ Bz2 h(a4/4) = (π/8)σ Bz2a4h . (P.2.7)
Dimensions:
RHS = [ohm-1m-1] sec-2 [volt-sec/m2]2 m5 = ohm-1sec-2 [volt-sec]2 = volt2/ohm = watts
The total current going around the plate as observed through any azimuthal slice θ = θ1 is,
I = h ∫ dr Jθ(r) = h σ (-Bz /2) ∫ rdr = h σ (-Bz /4)a2 = - (1/4) hσa2Bz

a • a • •
. (P.2.8)
0 0
To summarize our conclusions for eddy currents in the thin round plate of radius a, thickness h and
conductivity σ ,
•
Jθ(r) = - (1/2)σB r (P.2.4) // the eddy current density
•
I = - (1/4) σha2B (P.2.8)
•
P = (π/8) σha4 B2 (P.2.7) (P.2.9)
•
These results are in agreement with equations (36), (37) and (38) of Siakavellas. Since B → jωB, the
power loss is proportional to the square of the frequency of the external B field, and it is proportional to
the conductivity of the plate and its thickness. [Siakavellas also treats thin plates with polygonal
boundaries.]
It is a simple matter now to plot the eddy current vector inside the plate:
• •
Jx = Jθ ^ ^ = -Jθ sinθ = -Jθ (y/r) = + (1/2) B
θ •x σ y ≡ ky θ(r<a) k = (1/2) Bσ
•
Jy = Jθ ^ ^ = Jθ cosθ = Jθ (x/r) = -(1/2) B
θ •y σ x ≡ - kx θ(r<a) . (P.2.10)
With k = 1 and a = 1 Maple produces the following plot of the eddy currents inside the plate:
495
Fig P.4
•
With k = 1 we have assumed that B > 0 (out of plane of paper), and according to Lenz's Law, the eddy
current creates a B field whose flux cancels some of the applied B flux, hence the clockwise direction.
Why is the eddy current larger at a larger radius? The circular path over which Eemf is generated is
proportional to r (being 2πr), but the encircled magnetic flux is proportional to r2 (being πr2B), so we
expect Eθ to be proportional to r, which (P.2.4) confirms.[ Eθ(2πr) = Eemf = -jω (πr2B). ]
Reader Exercise: Notice that the Eeddy current arrows are largest near the edge of the plate according to
(P.2.4) which says Eθ(r) = constant * r. Is it correct to interpret this as a 2D skin effect of the type
encountered in Chapter 2? In terms of the external B field penetrating the disk, since the disk is thin we
have assumed no skin effect in the z dimension and that B field penetrates fully and δ >> h.
496
P.3 Eddy currents in a thin round plate in a non-uniform B field
This example is the same as that of the previous section, except the B field is no longer spatially uniform
and for simplicity we assume it has the following simple linear form,
B(x) = B0 - α x . α>0 // B(x) larger for x < 0 (on the left) (P.3.1)
This is then a simple case where Bext(x) = B(x) has a gradient over the plate.
Even with this simple form, the problem is considerably more complicated that the previous problem
since we can no longer make use of azimuthal symmetry. First consider (P.2.2) now in the frequency
domain, where as before B ≡ Bext and E = Jeddy/σ. (This equation is really (P.1.6) of Section P.1. )
curl E = - jωB . (P.2.2) (P.3.2)
In cylindrical coordinates this says
r [ r-1∂θEz - ∂zEθ] + ^
^ θ [∂zEr - ∂rEz] + ^ ^ .
z [ r-1∂r(rEθ) - r-1∂θEr ] = - jω Bz (P.3.3)
As in the previous example, we assume the plate is very thin and ω is very small so δ >> h, so fields are
constant in the z direction allowing us to replace ∂z → 0. At the same time, we assume Ez = 0 since Ez
has no apparent source (and Jz has nowhere to flow). Then the above vector curl equation boils down to
this scalar equation for the z component,
r-1∂r(rEθ) - r-1∂θEr = - jω[B0 - α x]

or
∂r(rEθ) - ∂θEr = - jω[B0 - α rcosθ] r (P.3.4)
since x = rcosθ. Since there is no charge inside the plate (as before), we know div E = 0, or
div E = r-1∂r(rEr) + r-1∂θEθ + ∂zEz = 0 . (P.3.5)
Again we set Ez= 0 (or ∂z→0) which kills off the last term. Then (P.3.4) and (P.3.5) may be written
∂r(rEθ) - ∂θEr = - jω[B0 - α rcosθ]r
∂r(rEr) + ∂θEθ = 0 . (P.3.6)
These equations form a system of coupled first-order linear PDE's in variables r and θ for functions
Er(r,θ) and Eθ(r,θ). There is no z argument since we assumed ∂z → 0 above, so basically we have a 2D
problem in polar coordinates. The first equation is inhomogeneous (has a driving term) while the second
is homogeneous.
We wish to emphasize how the addition of a simple linear external B field variation has converted the
trivial problem of Section P.2 to a non-trivial problem involving coupled partial differential equations.
There are of course associated boundary conditions, such as Er(a,θ) = 0 since Jr can have no normal
497
component at the rim of the plate. This complexity is typical of "eddy current problems". Below we shall
solve this problem using a potential method, and one can then show that the solutions so obtained do in
fact satisfy (P.3.6).
(a) The stream function method in Cartesian Coordinates
In our treatment of transmission lines in Chapter 4, we used the fact that div B = 0 to describe the
magnetic field in terms of a magnetic vector potential A, where B = curl A (since div curl A = 0 for any
A). Under suitable conditions, it was then possible to ignore the "transverse" components of A and deal
only with the z component Az. This then replaced the complexity of three fields Bi with one field Az.
In our current context of dealing with electric fields inside a conductor (where ρ = 0) we have div E =
0 and therefore div J = 0 since J = σE. We can then describe the current J in terms of a current vector
potential T, where J = curl T (since div curl T = 0 for any T). For a thin plate at low frequency ω, we will
argue that the transverse components of T may be neglected, and then the complexity of three fields Ji is
replaced by one field Tz. This field is known in incompressible fluid dynamics as a stream function
where J = nev is essentially the fluid flow velocity field v.
Here then is the stream function method presented in Cartesian coordinates. First,
x (∂yTz - ∂zTy) + ^
J = curl T = ^ y (∂zTx - ∂xTz) + ^
z (∂xTy - ∂yTx)
Jx = ∂yTz - ∂zTy
Jy = ∂zTx - ∂xTz
Jz = ∂xTy - ∂yTx . // components of the above (P.3.7)
The J we have in mind is Jeddy(1) appearing in (P.1.6). Using the symbols of (P.2.1), we have
curl J = - jωσ B (P.1.6) (P.3.8)
where B = Bz ^
z [ = Bext] . Using a standard vector identity we find then that
curl J = curl curl T = grad(div T) - ∇2T . (P.3.9)
Just as we are allowed to work in the "Coulomb gauge" div A = 0 with the magnetic vector potential (see
Appendix A), here we can work in the div T = 0 gauge for the current vector potential. In this gauge, we
combine (P.3.8) and (P.3.9) to get
∇2T = jωσB (P.3.10)
where ∇2 is the vector Laplacian operator. This equation can be compared with ∇2A = - μJ which is
(1.3.5) for a magnetostatic situation where A has no time dependence. As shown in (H.1.9), equation
(P.3.10) has the solution
T(x) = -∫d3x' [1/4πR][jωσB] + possible homogeneous solutions R = |x-x'| (P.3.11)
498
where the integral is the "particular solution" of (P.3.10). Since B = Bext = Bz(x) ^
z , the particular
solution is entirely in the z direction. There may be some homogeneous adder solutions which create
transverse components Tx and Ty, but we make the ansatz that
Tx, Ty << Tz . (P.3.12)
One motivation for this assumption is that then Jz = ∂xTy - ∂yTx of (P.3.7) will be very small as we
expect for a "thin" plate (we already assumed Ez= 0 above). Bypassing a detailed analysis of this issue,
we shall assume that Tx = Ty = 0 and only Tz is significant. Then (P.3.7) becomes
Jx = ∂yTz
Jy = - ∂xTz
Jz = 0 . (P.3.13)
Furthermore, we assume that Tz = Tz(x,y) with no z dependence, since then (P.3.13) will lead to currents
Jx and Jy which have no z dependence. With all these assumptions, (P.3.10) becomes a scalar equation
∇2D2Tz(x,y) = jωσBz(x,y) (P.3.14)
where ∇2D2 ≡ ∇2 - ∂z2 is the transverse component of the 3D scalar Laplacian.
Equation (P.3.14) is just the 2D Poisson equation of 2D potential theory [see (A.0.1) for the normal
Poisson equation in 3D ]. Many tools are available for solving this equation, and we shall use some of
these tools below in our solution of the thin plate problem.
(b) The stream function method in Cylindrical Coordinates
In cylindrical coordinates (really polar coordinates) one writes
∇2D2 Tz = r-1∂r(r∂rTz) + r-2∂θ2Tz
so (P.3.14) becomes
r-1∂r[r ∂rTz(r,θ)] + r-2∂θ2Tz(r,θ) = jωσ Bz(r,θ) . (P.3.15)
The ansatz (P.3.12) becomes
Tr, Tθ << Tz . (P.3.16)
The cylindrical replacement for (P.3.7) is
499
r [ r-1∂θTz - ∂zTθ] + ^
J = curl T = ^ θ [∂zTr - ∂rTz] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rTθ) - r-1∂θTr ]
Jr = r-1∂θTz - ∂zTθ
Jθ = ∂zTr - ∂rTz
Jz = r-1∂r(rTθ) - r-1∂θTr // components of the above (P.3.17)
which, using (P.3.16), we approximate as
Jr = r-1∂θTz
Jθ = - ∂rTz
Jz = 0 . (P.3.18)
(c) Using the stream function method to solve the plate problem
From (P.3.1) we have Bz(x) = B0 - α x = B0 - α rcosθ, so (P.3.15) states that
∂r[r∂rTz(r,θ)] + r-1∂θ2Tz(r,θ) = jωσ [B0 - α rcosθ] r . (P.3.19)
Here we have a single second-order PDE in r,θ for a single function Tz(r,θ) [ the stream function]. One
can compare this with the pair of coupled first-order PDE's found earlier in (P.3.6).
Since the angle θ has the full range (0,2π) we can expand the various functions into "partial waves" as
shown in (D.1.5) for a scalar function, so
∞
Tz(r,θ) = ∑ Tz(r,m) ejmθ (D.1.5a)
m = -∞
∫-π dθ Tz(r,θ) e-jmθ
π
Tz(r,m) = (1/2π) (D.1.5b) (P.3.20)
where we use our usual overloaded notation for Tz. Then (P.3.15) becomes, using ∂θ→ +jm,
∂r[r∂rTz(r,m)] - r-1m2Tz(r,m) = jωσ Bz(r,m) r (P.3.21)
where
∫-π dθ Bz(r,θ) e-jmθ ∫-π dθ [B0 - α rcosθ] e-jmθ

π π
Bz(r,m) = (1/2π) = (1/2π)
∫-π dθ e-jmθ - α r ∫-π dθ cosθ e-jmθ

π π
= B0 (1/2π) (1/2π)
∫-π dθ cos(mθ) - α r (1/2π) ∫-π dθ cosθ cos(mθ)

π π
= B0 (1/2π)
500
∫0 ∫0
π π
= B0 (1/π) dθ cos(mθ) - α r (1/π) dθ cosθ cos(mθ)
= δm,0B0 (1/π) π - α r (1/π) δm,±1 π/2
= δm,0B0 - (α/2) r δm,±1 (P.3.22)
where we use the following integral for integers m and n,
⎧0 m≠ n
∫0
π
dθ cos(mθ)cos(nθ) = ⎨ π/2 m = n ≠ 0 . // Spiegel p 96 15.27
⎩π m=n=0
Equations (P.3.21) become
∂r(r∂rTz(r,0)) = jωσ B0 r m=0 (P.3.23)
∂r(r∂rTz(r,±1)) - r-1Tz(r,±1) = - jωσ (α/2) r2 m = ±1 (P.3.24)
∂r(r∂rTz(r,m)) - r-1m2Tz(r,m) = 0 m = other integers (P.3.25)
We assume the relevant solution to (P.3.25) is Tz(r,m) = 0. Maple tells us the general solutions to the first
two equations,
We rename the constants to write these solutions as,
Tz(r,0) = jω σ B0 (1/4)r2 + C1 ln(r) + C2
Tz(r,±1) = - (1/8) jωσ (α/2) r3 + D1(r-1/r) + D2(r+1/r) . (P.3.26)
501
To have Tz(r,0) finite at r = 0 we must have C1 = 0.

To have Tz(r,±1) finite at r = 0 we must have D1 = D2. The solution forms are then
Tz(r,0) = jωσ B0 (1/4) r2 + C2

Tz(r,±1) = - (1/8) jωσ (α/2) r3 + 2D1 r . (P.3.27)
Inserting these partial wave amplitudes into (P.3.20) gives
Tz(r,θ) = Tz(r,0) + T(r,+1)ejθ + T(r,-1)e-jθ = Tz(r,0) + T(r,+1) 2 cosθ
= [jωσ B0 (1/4) r2 + C2] + 2 cosθ [- (1/8) jωσ (α/2) r3 + 2D1 r]
= [jωσ B0 (1/4) r2 + C2] - cosθ r [ (1/8) jωσ α r2 - 4D1] . (P.3.28)
At the origin point r = 0 we arbitrarily set the potential Tz(0,θ) = 0 so C2 = 0. One always has this
freedom with a potential: since J = curl T, constants in T don't affect J. We then compute Jr as shown in
(P.3.18) to obtain
Jr(r,θ) = r-1∂θTz = sinθ [(1/8) jωσ α r2 - 4D1 ] . (P.3.29)
But at r = a, we must have Jr(a,θ) = 0 since there can be only tangential currents at the rim of our circular
plate, and this determines D1 giving this final result for the stream function Tz ,
Tz(r,θ) = jωσ B0 (1/4) r2 - (1/8) cosθ r jωσ α (r2-a2)
= jωσ [ (1/4)B0 r2 - (α/8) cosθ (r3-a2r) ] . (P.3.30)
The eddy current components are then, again from (P.3.18),
Jr(r,θ) = r-1∂θTz = r-1 jωσ (α/8) sinθ (r3-a2r) = jωσ [(α/8) sinθ (r2-a2)]
Jθ(r,θ) = - ∂rTz = jωσ [ - (1/2)B0 r + (α/8) cosθ (3r2-a2) ] . (P.3.31)
Here then is a summary of the solution for a circular plate of radius r and conductivity σ in the presence
of an external magnetic field B(x) = B0 - α x :
Tz(r,θ) = jωσ [ (1/4)B0 r2 - (α/8) cosθ r (r2-a2) ]
Jr(r,θ) = jωσ [(α/8) sinθ (r2-a2)]

Jθ(r,θ) = jωσ [ - (1/2)B0 r + (α/8) cosθ (3r2-a2) ]
Er(r,θ) = jω [(α/8) sinθ (r2-a2)]

Eθ(r,θ) = jω [ - (1/2)B0 r + (α/8) cosθ (3r2-a2) ] . (P.3.32)
502
The eddy currents Jr and Jθ are proportional to ω as expected from (P.1.6). Current Jr vanishes at the
edge of the plate. When α = 0, we find Jr(r,θ) = 0 and Jθ(r,θ) = jωσ [ - (1/2)B0 r ] which replicates our
•
uniform-B solution (P.2.4) which was Jθ(r) = σ (-B /2) r .
We have verified using Maple that the stream function Tz(r,θ) shown in (P.3.32) satisfies (P.3.19) and
that the electric fields Er(r,θ) and Eθ(r,θ) satisfy (P.3.6).
Finally, Maple will plot the resulting eddy currents. First write,
Jx = Jr ^ ^ + Jθ ^
r •x ^ = Jr cosθ – Jθ sinθ
θ •x
Jy = Jr ^ ^ + Jθ ^
r •y ^ = Jr sinθ + Jθ cosθ .
θ •y (P.3.33)
For plotting we set jωσ = 1, a = 1, B0 = 1, and α = 1. Here is the plotting code,
and here is the resulting plot,
503
Fig P.5
which one can compare with the no-gradient plot of Fig P.4. As expected, the eddy currents are larger on
the left side because the external B field is larger there. One can imagine the E field lines being a set of
distorted circles which shrink down about a point to the left of the origin.
The main point of this example is to demonstrate the fact that a gradient in the external B field results
in an asymmetry in the eddy current distribution such that the larger eddy current vectors are in the region
in which the external B field is largest. We shall see below in a different geometry how this fact accounts
for the so-called proximity effect in a transmission line.
Reader Exercise: Use one of the methods of Appendix O to plot the E field lines for Fig P.5.
P.4 Self-induced eddy currents in a round wire
We now reconsider our well-studied axially symmetric radius-a round wire of Chapter 2. In this eddy
current example, the "external apparatus" and the "device under test" (DUT) are one in the same! In the
zeroth order of the Section P.1 perturbation theory (very low ω), the current density in the wire is
Jext(x,ω) which is perfectly uniform across the wire cross section and flows in the ^ z direction. This
current density creates a magnetic field B in the ^
ext θ direction which is obtained from Ampere's Law,
πr2 πr2
2πr Bext(r) = πa2 μ Ienc = πa2 μ Jext πa2 = πr2μJext
504
=> Bext(r) = (1/2) μ r Jext . (P.4.1)
In this problem the "external" current density Jext is generated by the round wire itself, as if it were
somehow its own "external apparatus". A better notation would be Jdc since this is the ω = 0 current
distribution, but we continue to use Jext to maintain contact with the Section P.1. Similarly, Bext = Bdc .
If the skin depth δ is large compared to the wire radius a, we expect the perturbation eddy current analysis
of Section P.1 to be viable, and we write (P.1.6) as
curl Jeddy ≈ - jωσBext where Bext = (1/2) μ r Jext ^

θ = Bext(r) ^
θ. (P.4.2)
In cylindrical coordinates one writes for an arbitrary vector field F,
r [ r-1∂θFz - ∂zFθ] + ^
curl F = ^ θ [∂zFr - ∂rFz] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rFθ) - r-1∂θFr ] . (P.4.3)
For a vector field F which is a function only of r this reduces to,
curl F = ^
θ [- ∂rFz] + ^
z [ r-1∂r(rFθ) ] . (P.4.4)
Thus (P.4.2) becomes these two equations,
r-1∂r[r(Jeddy)θ] = 0
- ∂r(Jeddy)z = -jωσ Bext(r) = -jωσ (1/2) μ r Jext . (P.4.5)
The first equation of (P.4.5) may be written as
∂r[r(Jeddy)θ] = 0
or
[r(Jeddy)θ] = C1
or
(Jeddy)θ(r) = C1/r
from which we must conclude that C1 = 0 and then (Jeddy)θ(r) = 0, so there is no azimuthal eddy current
in the wire.
The second equation of (P.4.5) may be integrated from r=0 to r=r to obtain
∫0 dr' r'
r
(Jeddy)z(r) - (Jeddy)z(0) = jωσ (1/2) μ Jext = jωσ (1/4) μ Jext r2 . (P.4.6)
Thus, the total current density in the wire obtained from eddy current analysis is in the z direction and is
given by
505
Jz = Jext + (Jeddy)z = Jext + (Jeddy)z(0) + jωσ (1/4) μ Jext r2
(Jeddy)z(0)
= Jext [ 1 + Jext + j ωμσ (1/4) r2 ]
≈ Jext [ 1 + j ωμσ (1/4) r2 ] . // since |(Jeddy)z(0)| << |Jext| at low ω (P.4.7)
Recall from (2.2.20) and (2.2.21) that
jβ2 = ωμσ = 2/δ2 = |β2| // jωμσ = -β2 (P.4.8)
where β is the complex Helmholtz parameter of (1.5.1c). Therefore we have shown that
Jz = Jext [ 1 + j ωμσ (1/4) r2 ] = Jext [ 1 - β2(1/4) r2 ] . (P.4.9)
Notice that the eddy current contribution is π/2 out of phase with Jext. Since we have assumed δ >> a, it
follows that
|βa| = ( 2 /δ) a = 2 (a/δ) << 1 (P.4.10)
so then |βr| << 1 and the eddy current contribution is very small, as required to use the first term in the
perturbation expansion of Section P.1 as we have done. Defining
κ ≡ ωσμ (1/4)r2 = (jβ2) (1/4) r2 = | β2| (1/4)r2 << 1

jκ = jωσμ (1/4)r2 = -β2(1/4) r2 (P.4.11)
one finds
Jz = Jext [ 1 - (β2/4)r2] = Jext [ 1+jκ ]

|Jz|2 = |Jext|2 (1+jκ)(1-jκ)
|Jz| = | Jext | (1+jκ)(1-jκ) = | Jext | 1 + κ2 ≈ | Jext | [ 1 + (1/2)κ2] (P.4.12)
so that
|Jz| 2 2 2 2
| Jext | = [ 1 + (1/2)κ ] = [ 1 + (1/2) { | β | (1/4)r } ]
1 1
= 1 + 2 {(2/δ2) (1/4)r2}2 = 1 + 2 {(1/δ2) (1/2)r2}2
1
= 1 + 8 (r/δ)4 (P.4.13)
which then exhibits a very slight skin effect and has the same r dependence as (2.3.10), see Fig 2.7.
506
In Chapter 2 we found in (2.2.30) the following exact result for Jz in a round wire operating at ω,
I J0(βr)
Jz(r) = 2πa J (βa) β . (2.2.30)
1
For small ω, since |βr| << 1, one has for small arguments [ Spiegel 24.5 and 24.6 ]
J0(x) ≈ 1 - x2/4
J1(x) ≈ (x/2)(1 - x2/8) ⇒ 1/J1(x) ≈ (2/x) (1 + x2/8) ≈ (2/x) (P.4.14)

so
J0(βr) 2 2
J1(βa) ≈ (2/βa) (1-β r /4) (P.4.15)
and then
I I I
Jz(r) = 2πa [(2/βa) (1-β2r2/4)] β = 2πa [(2/a) (1-β2r2/4)] = πa2 [ (1-β2r2/4)]
= Jext (1-β2r2/4) (P.4.16)
in agreement with our eddy current analysis result (P.4.9).
At higher frequencies where we no longer have δ >> a, the eddy current perturbation expansion diverges
and becomes meaningless and one must instead solve the Helmholtz equation stated at the end of Section
P.1. In Chapter 2 this task was in essence carried out and the skin effect was observed. One can then
interpret the skin effect by saying that the eddy currents cancel the DC current density in the interior of
the round wire, allowing a net current to exist only at the periphery. In other words, the skin effect is
caused by eddy currents. But this is just a manner of speaking, and is like saying that the skin effect is
"caused by Maxwell's Equations", which it is.
For a moderate skin effect, we can illustrate the eddy currents in a round wire by crudely plotting
them just in the central gray plane of the following drawing :
Fig P.6
Theses qualitative-only plots are for some particular instant in time. We know that the phase of J varies as
shown in Fig 2.8, so we attempt to illustrate only the real part of the currents:
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Re {Jext} Fig P.7 (a)
Re{Jeddy} Fig P.7 (b)
Re{Jext+Jeddy} = skin effect Fig P.7 (c)
The closed red curves in Fig P.7 (b) represent the Jeddy field lines, and these then represent the actual
induced "eddies" of current. One could write Jeddy = σ Eeddy and then they are electric field lines. The
lines close on themselves because they have no sources: inside the wire ρ = 0 so div Jeddy = 0 and div
Eeddy = 0. Recall that a field in general does not have a constant magnitude along a field line. In the
geometry of a round wire, the field lines in fact loop around at the ends of the wire.
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P.5 Eddy currents induced in a quiet round-wire by an external B field
Uniform Bext
In this example, we start with our Device Under Test (DUT) which is a straight round wire which carries
no current. Some "external apparatus" creates a time-changing magnetic field Bext = Bext^ y as shown in
the figure below, where Bext(x,ω) is for the moment constant in space. At the instant in time shown, the
•
^ direction so that - B ^ direction,
time-domain field Bext(x,t) is increasing in the -y ext(x,t) points in the +y
out of the plane of paper.
Fig P.8
The time-domain eddy current equation (P.1.6) ( we assume small ω) and its integral form are
•
curl Jeddy = σ [- Bext] ⇔ ∫
{ C Jeddy • ds = σ ∫S [- Bext] • dS .
•
(P.5.1)
The integral form implies that the flux change through any math loop in the gray rectangle is positive at
our time instant, so according to the right hand rule, the eddy currents in the gray rectangle have the
following general shape,
Fig P.9
This figure is analogous to Fig P.4 above which shows the eddy current in a thin round plate for a uniform
external B field.
To justify the linear variation with x (vertical), if we assume that away from the ends of the wire nothing
varies with z, and if we write Jeddy as J, we find that
509
•
x (∂yJz - ∂zJy) + ^
curl J = ^ y (∂zJx - ∂xJz) + ^
z (∂xJy - ∂yJx) = - σ Bext^
y
or
^ •
x (∂yJz) + ^
y ( - ∂xJz) + ^
z (∂xJy - ∂yJx) = - σ Bext^
y (P.5.2)
which produces the three equations
• •
∂xJz = σ Bext => Jz(x) = σBext x // linear in x
∂yJz = 0 => Jz = Jz(x) only
∂xJy - ∂yJx = 0 satisfied if Jx and Jy = 0 (P.5.3)
The eddy pattern in the round wire would have the same general appearance in any slice of the wire
parallel to the slice shown as the gray rectangle in Fig P.8. The current of course drops to 0 at the wire
surface since we assume the wire is surrounded by an insulating medium. Conversely, in any planar slice
of the wire which is perpendicular to the gray plane (and still parallel to the z axis), there are no eddy
currents because any math loop in such a plane sees no flux.
Non-uniform Bext
Suppose now that the field Bext has a positive linear gradient in the x direction. We can write,
• •
jω Bext(x,ω) = jω[ Bext0 + αx] => Bext(x,t) = Bext0 + α• x (P.5.4)
Then,
• •
Bext(x,t) = Bext(t) + α• (t) x = jω ejωt [ Bext(0) + α(0) x ] . (P.5.5)
We assume α(0) > 0 so the B field magnitude is larger at the top of Fig P.8 than at the bottom at t = 0.
•
Below we shall assume a time such that ejωt = -1 so then both Bext(t) and α• (t) are negative. Then the first
equation of (P.5.3) becomes,
• • •
∂xJz = σ Bext = σ [Bext0 + α• x ] => Jz(x) = σ [Bext0 x + (1/2) α• x2 - (1/6) α• ]
or
•
Jz(x) = - σ [ | Bext0| x + (1/2) | α• | x2 - (1/6) | α• | ] // for our time of interest (P.5.6)
∫-1 dx Jz(x) = 0 for a wire of radius a = 1.

1
where we have added a constant such that Jeddy = Jz is now
larger in the upper half of the gray rectangle than in the lower half, and we would expect then a pattern
having this general shape,
510
Fig P.10
The eddy currents are now larger on the side of the wire where the external field Bext is larger. In
addition, one sees the eddy current in general to be larger near the surface of the wire and small in the
interior. Figure P.10 is analogous to Fig P.5 above which shows the eddy current in a thin round plate for
a non-uniform external B field.
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P.6 Eddy currents induced in an current-carrying wire by an external B field
We start with the self-induced eddy current pattern in a round wire shown in Fig P.7 (b),
Fig P.7 (b)
We then turn on a uniform external B field which induces an additional eddy current pattern in the same
round wire, as shown in Fig P.9,
Fig P.9
We assume the external B field has the proper phase relative to the current in the wire such that the
patterns look as shown above. When a small amount of the lower pattern is superposed on the upper
pattern, there is partial cancellation on the top edge, and reinforcement on the lower edge, resulting in the
following eddy current pattern,
Fig P.11
Thus we arrive at another mechanism for the eddy current to be larger on one side of a wire than on the
other side. Notice that Bext has no gradient in this example, and also that we are not showing the
underlying DC uniform current pattern of Fig P.7 (a).
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P.7 Summary of Round Wire Examples
1. The eddy currents which a current-carrying round wire induces into itself vary with radius inside the
wire, but are azimuthally symmetric. These eddy currents are interpreted as causing the skin effect. This
situation is depicted in Fig P.7 (c).
2. A quiet round wire in the presence of a spatially-uniform external B field will have induced eddy
currents which are oppositely directed on the two sides of the wire, but the absolute value of the current is
symmetric on the two sides, as in Fig P.9.
3. If this quiet wire is placed in an external Bext field which has a gradient, then the absolute value of the
current density will be larger on the side of the wire where Bext is larger, as shown in Fig P.10.
4. When a current-carrying round wire is placed in a uniform external Bext field, even though that field
is uniform, the absolute value of the current density is larger on one side of the wire compared to the other
side, as shown in Fig P.11.
5 When a current-carrying round wire is placed in a external Bext field which has a gradient, we again
expect to have a side-to-side eddy current asymmetry which is a combination of the effects of items 3 and
4 above. The asymmetry will depend on the direction of the current in the wire and on the size and
polarity of Bext.
513
P.8 Eddy currents in Transmission Lines: The Proximity Effect
We consider a transmission line composed of two round wires and focus our attention on wire #1 as our
Device Under Test. If wire #2 is far away, as in a wide-spaced twin-line, then Bext created by wire #2 is
roughly uniform at the location of wire #1, and we then have the current asymmetry of Case 4 above. If
wire #2 is close to wire #1, then Bext created by wire #2 will have a gradient over wire #1, and then we
have the asymmetry combination Case 5 above where both effects must be considered. In the following
drawing, we show in cross section two round wires both of which carry current I in the same direction,
out of the plane of paper :
Fig P.12
The field Bext created by wire #2 is slightly stronger on the right side of wire #1 than on the left side,
which of itself would argue for more eddy current on the right side of wire #1. However this effect is
swamped by the Case 4 effect where we have cancellation of B fields on the right side of wire #1 and
addition on the left side, so the total B field is stronger on the left side of wire #1 and thus the eddy
current (and hence the total current density) is larger there, as indicated by the lighter coloration. The
current asymmetry increases as the two conductors get closer together because both the B field
cancellation and reinforcement are enhanced as Bext becomes larger and more comparable to the internal
B field. The asymmetry also increases as ω increases, since the eddy currents increase, and at ω = 0 there
is no asymmetry because there are no eddy currents.
If we imagine positive charge carriers coming out of the plane of paper in wire #1, the ones on the left
side of wire #1 feel a Lorentz force q v x B pushing them to the right, while those on right side of wire #1
feel an oppositely directed force pushing them to the left. This is so because the net B in general points
down on the left side of the center line of wire #1, and up on the right side (see Fig P.16 below). But the
charge carriers on the right are in a smaller B field and travel at a smaller velocity v since Jz = nqv is
smaller (although at ω = 0 this second fact is not true). The net effect is that for any ω ≥ 0 the charge
carriers in wire #1 feel an overall force to the right and this force is transferred to the conductor ion lattice
to maintain ρ = 0 causing the entire wire #1 to be pushed to the right. The opposite happens inside wire #2
and the result is that wires with currents in the same direction attract each other for any ω ≥ 0.
The fact that (for ω > 0) the current distribution in each wire is skewed away from the other wire is
sometimes called the proximity effect, or current crowding. One effect of having a non-uniform Jz
distribution is that the wires have resistance larger than their DC values (see Section P.10 below). If the
514
above two wires were two strands of a power transmission line cable carrying current in the same
direction, the Ohmic loss in the strands is enhanced by this crowding effect.
The coloration patterns in Fig P.12 don't really illustrate the skin effect which is of course always
present at any ω > 0, more strongly of course when δ < a (see Fig 6.12.). Even in power lines at 60 Hz
where δ ~ 1 cm the skin effect does cause a waste of the wire interior since less current flows there. If a
large round conductor is replaced by a set off smaller insulated round wires, this waste is reduced since
the smaller wires each have more uniform current (see Litz wire).
In a transmission line the currents are of course oppositely directed and the picture is different:
Fig P.13
Now the B field is larger on the right side of wire #1 so the eddy current is larger there causing the total
current density Jz to be larger there compared to the left side. The currents are now crowded on the side
of each wire facing the other wire (ω > 0). The Lorentz force now causes the two wires to repel each
other, reversing the argument given above (ω ≥ 0). There is still extra Ohmic loss compared to DC since
Jz is non-uniform. Closer wire spacing again results in increased asymmetry.
Companies like "Monster Cables" advocate using their low-ohm expensive cables for driving audio
speakers in order to offset the resistance increase due to both proximity and skin effects.
As support for the comments above concerning the strength of the B fields at various locations, here are
plots of the DC B field along the horizontal line shown in Fig P.12 and Fig P.13. In these plots we show
|By(x,y=0)| (red) as a function of x in the y = 0 plane. The wires have radius 1/2 unit and center separation
3 units (the straight-looking red curve segments are not exactly straight). The math for these plots appears
in the Example in Appendix O (c), where Jz is uniform in each conductor.
515
Currents in same direction: [ horizontal line in Fig P.12 ] |By(x,y=0)|
Fig P.14
Currents in opposite direction: [ horizontal line in Fig P.13 ]
Fig P.15
If we plot By(x,y=0) instead of |By(x,y=0)|, these plots have the following form,
Currents in same direction: [ horizontal line in Fig P.12 ] By(x,y=0)
Fig P.16
Currents in opposite direction: [ horizontal line in Fig P.13 ]
Fig P.17
516
The figure below shows the total eddy currents in the two conductors of a transmission line (oppositely
directed currents as in Fig P.13) as seen on a certain slicing plane through the conductors. The arrow
patterns come from Fig P.11 making use of the B field strengths shown in Fig P.15 (that is, B fields are
stronger on each conductor side closest to the other conductor).
Fig P.18
When the eddy current patterns of Fig P.18 are added to the DC uniform current pattern of Fig P.7a, one
obtains the expected pattern of total current distribution in a transmission line :
Fig P.19
Both the skin effect and the proximity effect are visible in the current density arrow patterns. The 3D
graphs on the right are from Fig 6.12 showing a computed current distribution on each wire cross section.
The reader is reminded that all the arrow drawings in this Section are crude qualitative representations
and are not the result of any true calculation.
517
P.9 Quantitative Evaluation of Eddy Currents and The Proximity Effect
Our round-wire discussion above has all been qualitative, and no method was given for computing the
actual size of the eddy currents and thus of the proximity effect for two parallel round wires. G. Smith
presents the following intriguing graph showing the strength of the proximity effect versus conductor
separation for currents in the same direction. In his case c/a = 1.0 the conductors are just touching.
Fig P.20
Presumably ω is high enough to put the conductors into the skin effect regime so all currents are surface
currents of thickness δ << a.
We present in Section 6.5 a quantitative treatment of the skin and proximity effects for an infinite (or
properly terminated) transmission line consisting of parallel round wires, and the results are similar to
those of the above graph with θ → π-θ. Our treatment, however, is not based on "eddy current analysis",
but rather on the charge distribution on the conductor surfaces (think capacitance) and the radial charge
pumping boundary condition (D.2.25) which causes internal currents to be larger where the time-
changing surface charge is larger. In Section 6.5 (g) we comment on how our methods might be applied to
currents flowing in the same direction. As shown in Chapter 7, our general theory is not valid at very low
frequencies, and for such the reader is referred to the book of Rodrígues and Valli .
518
P.10 Influence of Proximity and Skin Effects on Wire Resistance
Consider a small differential volume rdθdrdz in a round wire (relative to a cylindrical coordinate system
for that wire). Its cross sectional area is dA = rdθdr . This volume has resistance
dR = "ρL/A" = ρ dz / dA (P.10.1)
and the current through this resistor will be
dI = Jz(r,θ) dA . (P.10.2)
The Ohmic power generated in this tiny resistor is, from P = I2R,
dP = (dI)2(dR) = [Jz(r,θ)dA]2 ρ dz / dA = ρ Jz(r,θ)2 dA dz . (P.10.3)
For the coin-shaped resistor consisting of length dz of the entire round wire cross section we find then that
P= ∫dP = dz ∫dA ρ Jz(r,θ)2 . (P.10.4)
The total current in the wire is
I = ∫dA Jz(r,θ) (P.10.5)
and then from P = I2R the effective wire resistance of a cross sectional slice of wire of length dz is,
∫dA [Jz(r,θ)]2
P
∫dA [...] ∫0 ∫-π dθ
a π
R = I2 = ρdz = dr r [...] (P.10.6)
[ ∫dA Jz(r,θ) ]2
Adding some cancelling factors of A = πa2 we get,
∫dA [Jz(r,θ)]2/A <Jz2> E(Jz2)

R = R/dz = [ ρ/A ] = Rdc <J >2 = Rdc [E(J )]2 (P.10.7)
[ ∫dA Jz(r,θ)/A ]2 z z
where Rdc is the DC resistance per unit length of the wire. Our notations <> and E() mean "expected
value". In elementary probability theory one writes
μx = E(X) // mean
σx2 ≡ varx = E(X2) - E(X)2 = E(X2) - μx2 // variance; σx = standard deviation
so that
519
E(X2) σx2+ μx2 σ x2

2 = = 1 +
[E(X)] μx 2
μx2 . (P.10.8)
Thus, taking X = Jz we find this result for the round wire AC resistance per unit length [ P = I2R ]
σJz2 R σJz2 P σJz2

R = Rdc (1 + μ 2 ) = 1+μ 2 Pdc = [1 + μJz2 ] // loss (P.10.9)
Jz Rdc Jz
At DC, Jz is constant across the wire cross section so its variance is 0 and the above says R = Rdc. For
any other function Jz(r,θ) ≠ constant, one will have some variance σJz2 > 0 and then R > Rdc. This
discussion presented for a round wire of course applies to a wire of any constant cross sectional shape.
Thus, the proximity and skin effects increase the effective resistance of the wires in Fig P.12 or P.13,
causing an increase in the Ohmic loss. Notice that the percentage proximity/skin-effect loss is
independent of the current I.
520
Appendix Q : Properties of k(ω) and Z0(ω)
Appendix Q: Properties of the functions k(ω) and Z0(ω); plots for Belden 8281 cable
The two functions of interest are,

physics model network model
k(ω) = -j zy = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) (5.3.5) (K.7)
z R + jωL
Z0(ω) = = G + jωC . (4.12.18) (K.4)
y
These expressions for k(ω) and Z0(ω) were derived from both the "physics model" of Chapters 4 and 5
and the network model of Appendix K, with equations numbers shown above. The expressions are valid
for all ω in the network model, but in the physics model they were derived only in the skin effect regime,
though we might have some expectation that the expressions are approximately valid for low ω. We
ignore this issue and just treat k(ω) and Z0(ω) as abstract functions valid for 0 ≤ ω < ∞.
The four parameters R,L,G and C are by definition all real numbers. For example, in the physics model R
is defined to be the real part of z, and ωL the imaginary part of z. In the k and Z0 sections below, our first
task shall be to compute the real and imaginary parts of k and Z0. We shall then be interested in the large
and small ω limits of these expressions. In order to compute these limits properly, we must remember that
the four real parameters R,L,G and C are in general functions of ω and cannot be treated as constants.
This requires that we construct a model for these parameters as functions of ω, and that is the task of the
first Section Q.1.
This Appendix shows all the Maple calculations required to obtain the large and small ω limits for small
tanL, and is therefore rather long and opaque. Here is the simple outline to serve as a guide:
521
Q.1 A Simple Model for R, L, G and C
The model considered here is just an ad hoc "reasonable" model which is accurate at high and low
frequencies and which bridges the gap in a crude manner just so we have something to work with. We
shall assume that C and Le are the constants appearing in box (4.12.24), namely
C = 4πεd/K capacitance per meter

μd
Le = 4π K external inductance per meter
Gdc = 4πσd/K DC conductance per meter
where K is the constant defined also in (4.12.24). The conductance has a dc subscript because σd is the
DC conductivity of the transmission line dielectric.
Model for C
We assume C to be the constant value shown above, so
C(ω) = C = 4πεd/K = independent of ω (Q.1.1)
Model for G
Recall first from (3.3.2) and (3.3.4) that
σeff = ( σd + ωε'd tanL) where tanL ≡ (ε"d/ε'd) and εd = ε'd - jε"d .
This σeff is the effective conductivity of a dielectric whose dielectric constant has an imaginary part. The
dielectric burns energy just as if the loss were all simple ohmic loss. From (4.12.24) we then have
G = (σeff/εd)C = ( σd + ωε'd tanL)C/εd = (σd/εd)C + (ε'd/εd) tanL ωC
= Gdc + (ε'd/εd) tanL ωC
where recall that tanL is the loss-tangent or dissipation factor of the dielectric. Clearly G has a strong
dependence on ω, being a linear function of ω. Normally (ε'd/εd) ≈ 1 since ε"d and tanL are typically very
small. Rather than set (ε'd/εd) = 1, we just absorb this factor into the definition of tanL and then write
G(ω) in this simpler form,
G(ω) = Gdc + (C tanL) ω where Gdc = (σd/εd)C . (Q.1.2)
Since (σd/εd) has the dimensions sec-1 it is convenient to rewrite the above G(ω) as
G(ω) = C (ωd + tanL ω ) ωd ≡ (σd/εd) Gdc = ωdC . (Q.1.3)
522
This then is our working model for the frequency-dependent real parameter G(ω). The interpretation of
ωd is straightforward. If one constructs a parallel plate capacitor with area A, separation s, dielectric
constant εd and dielectric conductivity σd, one finds that R = s/(σdA) and C = Aεd/s so that RC = εd/σd
which is the discharge time constant τd for such a capacitor. Then ωd = 1/τd. In the transmission line
context, R is really 1/Gdc, the DC resistance per unit length between the conductors, while C is the
capacitance per unit length, and then τd = RC = C/Gdc [ dim = (far/m)/(mho/m) = far-ohm = sec].
Inversely, ωd = Gdc/C.
Examples:
1. A perfect vacuum dielectric has σd = 0 so both ωd = (σd/εd) = 0 and tanL = 0, resulting in G(ω) = 0.
This situation with ωd = 0 presents special problems noted below.
2. As excellent low-conductivity dielectrics, both polyethylene and air have σd ~ 10-15 mho/m. For such
dielectrics one finds that
ωd = σd/εd ≈ 10-15/ 8.85 x 10-12 = 10-3/8.85 = (10/8.85) x 10-4 = 1.13 x 10-4 sec-1
τd = 8850 sec = 2.5 hours
As will be seen below, our low-ω limits are only valid for ω < ωd and are thus in fact "very low ω" limits.
This is fine, since we are interested in what happens as ω→ 0.
3. The loss tangent for the polyethylene used in Belden 8281 coaxial cable has tanL ≈ .0005 and this can
be regarded as a typical value for tanL.
Model for L and R
Recall from Chapter 2 these expressions for the high-frequency resistance and internal inductance of a
round wire of radius a1 ,
1
R1 = σ(2πa )δ δ ≡ 2/ωμσ (2.4.18)
1
1 1 1 μ
L1i = (1/ω) R1 = ωσ(2πa )δ = = 2πa 2σω . (2.4.19)
1 ωσ(2πa1) 2/ωμσ 1
These are for conductor C1 and similar expressions apply to conductor C2 for a transmission line of the
type considered in Chapter 6. Note that σ and μ are parameters of the conductor, not the dielectric. We
can rewrite the above equations in this manner
1 μ -1/2
L1i = 2πa 2σ ω decreases with ω
1
1 μ +1/2
R1 = 2πa 2σ ω = ω L1i . increases with ω (Q.1.4)
1
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We now generalize these results for an arbitrary conductor C1 as follows
1 μ -1/2
L1i = p 2σ ω decreases with ω
1
1 μ +1/2
R1 = ω L1i = p 2σ ω increases with ω (Q.1.5)
1
where p1 is the "active perimeter" distance around the cross section of the conductor, as mentioned in
(4.12.10). Recall that surface impedance Zs1(θ) = R1(θ) + ωL1i(θ) but we average these quantities over θ
to get the above results, as discussed in Section 4.12 (b). For widely spaced thin wires (or a centered
coaxial cable), the active perimeter of a round wire is the full perimeter so p1 = 2πa1, but the active
perimeter is much less than the total perimeter for a pair of closely spaced conductors such as shown in
Fig 4.13. We regard the generalization (Q.1.5) as being "reasonable" if not precise. Summing over the
two conductors of our transmission line, we then find for large ω that
1 1 μ -1/2 1 1 μ
Li = ( p + p ) 2σ ω ≡ κ ω-1/2 κ≡ (p +p ) 2σ
1 2 1 2
1 1 μ +1/2
R = (p +p ) 2σ ω ≡ κ ω+1/2 . dim(κ) = ohm/m * sec1/2 (Q.1.6)
1 2
In order to crudely blend these expressions down into the low ω region, we write
R(ω) = Rdc θ(ω<ωR) + (κ ω ) θ(ω≥ωR) ωR ≡ (Rdc/κ)2
Li(ω) = Lidc θ(ω<ωL) + (κ/ ω ) θ(ω≥ωL) ωL ≡ (κ/ Lidc)2 (Q.1.7)
where θ(bool) = 1 if bool = true, else 0. The values of ωR and ωL cause the two functions to match at the
boundaries ω = ωR and ω = ωL. Here Rdc = 1/(σA1) + 1/(σA2) is the total DC resistance of the two
conductors of cross sectional area Ai, while Lidc is the total DC internal inductance. Examples of
computing the latter appear in Appendix C. For a round wire, Li = μ/8π, so for a pair of same, Lidc =
μ/4π henry/m.
Using parameters shown in Appendix R for Belden 8281 coaxial cable, we may plot R(ω) and Li(ω) for
our crude model. First, the two expressions are entered into Maple (using w for ω),
524
followed by parameters for the Belden cable obtained in Appendix R,
The two blending frequencies are computed,
and are seen to be in the 1 MHz range. Finally, here are plots for R and Li versus ω for a very wide range
of ω: ω = 1 to ω = 1010 ,
Fig Q.1.1
Fig Q.1.2
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These plots duly show the resistance increasing as ω and internal inductance decreasing as 1/ ω for
large ω . It would not be difficult to provide a smooth blending function to remove the sharp corners from
these plots, but since our main interest is in very large and very small ω, we leave things as is (but see
below).
The final step is to add in the external inductance Le so our model for R(ω) and L(ω) is then
L(ω) = Le + Lidc θ(ω<ωL) + (κ/ ω ) θ(ω≥ωL) ωL ≡ (κ/ Li,DC)2 . (Q.1.8)
For the Belden cable example Le = 0.37 μH/m = 3.7 x 10-7 H/m, giving this plot for L(ω) versus ω:
Fig Q.1.3
L(ω) is shown in red, while Le is shown in black. This last plot shows that Le is really the dominant term
in L(ω) at all ω. More magnetic energy is stored in the dielectric than inside the conductors. So:
Simple Transmission Line Parameter Model (Q.1.9)

1 1 μ
C(ω) = C = independent of ω κ≡(p +p ) 2σ
1 2
G(ω) = C (ωd + tanL ω ) ωd ≡ (σd/εd) Gdc ≡ ωd C
L(ω) = Le + Lidc θ(ω<ωL) + (κ/ ω ) θ(ω≥ωL) ωL ≡ (κ/ Lidc)2
LeC = μdεd = 1/vd2 (4.12.24) Ldc ≡ Le + Lidc
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The last line shows that Le has a simple relation to C in terms of the dielectric speed of light vd. The two
pi are the active perimeters of the conductors, μ and σ are for the conductors, and σd, εd and μd are for the
dielectric. Rdc and Lidc are the DC resistance and internal inductance total for the two conductors.
How Good is this Crude Model?
Recall that R and ωLi are the real and imaginary parts of the total (mean) surface impedance Zi of the
two transmission line conductors. For the Belden coaxial cable example, the central conductor is in a
symmetric environment and for that situation we have an exact expression for Zi from (2.4.6),
-jωμ J0(βa)
Zs(ω) = 2πaβ J (βa) β2 = -jωμσ . (2.4.6)
1
We do not have an exact expression for the surface impedance of the shield, but based on the high and
low ω numbers shown in Appendix R, we can roughly account for the shield by adding 15% to the above
central conductor function, resulting in a function for the total Zi(ω) which is a smooth function of ω. We
can then plot this function and compare it with our simple Heaviside model presented above, again for the
Belden 8281 example. First, here is the "smooth 115% model" followed by the "crude Heaviside model",
And here are "side by side" plots of R and Li for the two models for ω = 104 to 108 ,
527
Fig Q.1.4
Fig Q.1.5
Below ω = 104 and above ω = 108 the two models are in very close agreement, and the smooth model
(black) then shows what the correct interpolation of the crude Heaviside model (red) might look like. The
Heaviside model we think gives the essence of the behavior of R and Li versus ω.
Reader Exercise: Using the methods of Chapter 2, develop an expression for Zi ( like (2.4.6) quoted
just above) which applies to the sheath of a coaxial cable. Verify against data presented in Appendix R.
The DC limit should agree with (C.6.6) and the large-ω limit with (Q.1.5). Perhaps assume t << a2.
528
Q.2 Real and Imaginary parts of k(ω)
Fact 1: The real and imaginary decomposition of k is given by (Q.2.1)
a2-c a2+c
k = 2 - j 2 k ≡ -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC)
a2+c a2-c
jk = 2 +j 2 jk = zy = (R+jωL)(G+jωC)
where
a ≡ [(R2+ω2L2)(G2+ω2C2)]1/4 = |k| dim(a) = 1/m a>0
c ≡ RG - ω2LC dim(c) = 1/m2 c = real, |c| < a2
Proof of Fact 1: Let
q ≡ zy = (R+jωL)(G+jωC) = (RG-ω2LC) + jω(LG+RC) = c + jω(LG+RC) = |q| ejθ
=> |q|2 = | (R+jωL)(G+jωC) |2 = | (R+jωL)|2|(G+jωC) |2 = (R2+ω2L2) (G2+ω2C2) ≡ a4
|q| = a2
cosθ = Re(q) /|q| = c/a2
Now write
s≡ zy = (R+jωL)(G+jωC) = q = |s| eiφ |s| = |q| = a φ = θ/2

2
a +c
Re(s) = |s| cosφ = a cos(θ/2) = a (1 +cosθ)/2 = (a/ 2 ) 1+c/a2 = 2
2 a2-c
Im(s) = |s| sinφ = a sin(θ/2) = a (1 -cosθ)/2 = (a/ 2 ) 1-c/a = 2
a2+c a2-c
s = zy = 2 +j 2
a2-c a2+c
k = -j zy = -js = 2 -j 2 QED
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Maple verification:
Q.3 Large ω limit of k(ω)
The model of box (Q.1.9) at large ω indicates, using Le = 1/(Cvd2),
G(ω) = C (ωd + tanL ω ) ωd ≡ (σd/εd)
R(ω) = κ ω
1 1 μ
L(ω) = 1/(Cvd2) + (κ/ ω ) . κ≡ (p +p ) 2σ (Q.3.1)
1 2
Defining t ≡ tanL these expressions are,
G = C(ωd + t ω) R=κ ω L = 1/(Cvd2) + κ/ ω . (Q.3.2)
We duly enter the expressions into Maple (using w for ω)
followed by the intermediate variables a and c from box (Q.2.1),
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The real part of k(ω) is then given from (Q.2.1) as follows:
The asymptotic expansion of Re(k) for large ω is then found to be,
which has the form Aω + B ω + C + D/ ω + O(1/ω), but we have not displayed the C and D terms
since they are quite complicated. Maple next processes the terms by first simplifying them, then
expanding them in small parameter t. That is, we now regard t ≡ tanL << 1. The results are shown below.
Maple notes: (1) The nth term in the Rek1 series can be accessed as op(n,Rek1); (2) Maple displays the
output of a command terminated by a semicolon, but suppresses the output if terminated by a colon; (3)
in the series command, the second argument gives the variable and point of expansion, the third the
number of terms; (4) symbol % always refers to the last thing computed.
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Although we have suppressed the last two "op" expressions, we did verify that they were the correct terms
in the series. Maple sometimes orders series in strange ways but here the ordering was as expected.
Collecting the results and keeping only the leading terms in t = tanL, the resulting large ω limit for Re(k)
is seen to be,
Re(k) ≈ (ω/vd) + (1/2)vdκC ω + (1/8vd)( vd4C2κ2 + 2ωd) tanL + O(1/ ω ) (Q.3.3)
where we have ignored the details of the O(1/ ω ) term.
Treating Im(k) in the same manner one finds,
Once again the series has the form Aω + B ω + C + D/ ω + O(1/ω), but we have not displayed the C
and D terms since they are complicated. Expanding each series term for small t gives
532
Collecting the results and keeping only the leading terms in t = tanL, the resulting large ω limit for Im(k)
is seen to be,
Im(k) ≈ - (ω/vd) tanL/2 - (vdκC/2) ω - (1/2vd)(ωd - vd4C2κ2/2) + O(1/ ω ) (Q.3.4)
where we have again ignored the details of the O(1/ ω ) term. We now summarize these results :
Fact 2: The large ω asymptotic expansion for k(ω), assuming tanL << 1, is given by (Q.3.5)
Re(k) ≈ (ω/vd) + (vdκC/2) ω + (1/4vd)(ωd +vd4C2κ2/2) tanL + O(1/ ω )

Im(k) ≈ - (ω/vd) tanL/2 - (vdκC/2) ω - (1/2vd)(ωd - vd4C2κ2/2) + O(1/ ω )
1 1 μ
where κ ≡ ( p + p ) 2σ and ωd ≡ (σd/εd)
1 2
Keeping only the leading terms for large ω,
Re(k) ≈ (ω/vd) vd = 1/ LeC ≈ 1/ LC

Im(k) ≈ - ω tanL /(2vd)
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The leading term Re(k) = ω/vd is the usual result obtained from taking the large ω limit of the expression
k = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) when the four parameters are treated as constants in ω,
k = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) ≈ -j (jωL)(jωC) = (-j)(j)ω LC = ω LC ≈ ω LeC = ω/vd .
This fact is obvious from the large-ω model stated in (Q.3.1) which we repeat here:
R(ω) = κ ω
1 1 μ
L(ω) = 1/(Cvd2) + (κ/ ω ) . κ≡ (p +p ) 2σ (Q.3.1)
1 2
Since tanL << 1 one has for large ω,
G + jωC = C (ωd + tanL ω) + jωC = C ωd + ωC( tanL + j) ≈ ωCj = jωC

R + jωL = κ ω + jω [Le + (κ/ ω ) ] ≈ jωLe ≈ jωL
so
k = -j (R+jωL)(G+jωC) = -j (jωL)(jωC) = ω LC ≈ ω LeC = ω/vd
The leading term Im(k) = - ω tanL /(2vd) indicates the presence of loss due to the aptly named loss tangent
tanL. The quantity Re(k) = ω/vd is called βd0 in (1.5.1b) [ since vd = 1/ μdεd ] and is the wavenumber
that an electromagnetic plane wave would have traveling through an infinite dieletric.
Q.4 Small ω limit of k(ω)
If the DC conductance Gd = ωd C is non-vanishing (because σd > 0) we find one set of results, but if the
dielectric is a perfect vacuum with σd = 0, we get a different set of results. The two cases are treated
separately below with an explanation.
Small ω limit of k(ω) for ωd > 0
The model of box (Q.1.9) at small ω reads,

R(ω) = Rdc
L(ω) = Le + Lidc ≡ Ldc . (Q.4.1)
With t ≡ tanL these expressions are,
G = C(ωd + t ω) R = Rdc L = Ldc . (Q.4.2)
Enter the expressions into Maple (using w for ω)
534
followed by the intermediate variables a and c from box (Q.2.1),
The real part of k(ω) is given from (Q.2.1) as follows:
The expansion of Re(k) for small ω is found to be,
We show several terms to illustrate that the general form of this series is
∞
Re(k) = ωd Σn=1 An(Rdc, Ldc, ωd) (ω/ωd)n . (Q.4.3)
The coefficients An do not vanish as ωd → 0, so we infer that the power series converges only for ω < ωd,
which is a very low frequency as noted earlier (ωd = 10-4 for Belden 8281 cable). If one attempts to take
the limit ωd → 0 of the above series, the function Re(k) has a branch point in the complex ω plane at ω =
ωd which impinges on the origin as ωd → 0, causing the series's radius of convergence to shrink down to
nothing, and the series then diverges and is meaningless. That is why ωd = 0 is treated separately below.
Keeping only the first term of the expansion above, we find
535
so that
Re(k) ≈ (ω/2) (Rdc + ωdLdc) C/(ωdRdc) + O(ω2) (Q.4.4)
so that
Im(k) ≈ - RdcCωd [ 1 + (1/2) tanL (ω/ωd) ] + O(ω2) (Q.4.5)
To summarize:
Fact 3: The small ω limit for k(ω), assuming ωd > 0, is given by (Q.4.6)
Re(k) ≈ (ω/2) (Rdc + ωdLdc) C/(ωdRdc) + O(ω2) ω < ωd = (σd/εd)

2
Im(k) ≈ - RdcCωd [ 1 + (tanL/2) (ω/ωd)] + O(ω ) Gdc = Cωd
Notice that Im(k) → - RdcGdc > 0 as ω→ 0, indicating the presence of loss at DC. This loss is just the
ohmic loss in the dielectric due to σd > 0, and associated loss in the conductors due to Rdc > 0. This
limiting situation is shown in the network model of Fig K.4.
536
Small ω limit of k(ω) for ωd = 0
Here we rerun the Maple code shown above setting ωd = 0 at the start. For Re(k) we find,
Expanding each coefficient for small t gives
Keeping only the first term in the ω expansion, we have shown that
Re(k) ≈ RdcC/2 ω ( 1 - tanL/2) + O(ω3/2) . (Q.4.7)
Treating Im(k) in the same manner one finds:
537
from which we read off the leading term,
Im(k) ≈ - RdcC/2 ω ( 1 + tanL/2) + O(ω3/2) . (Q.4.8)
To summarize:
Fact 4: The small ω limit for k(ω), assuming ωd = 0, is given by (Q.4.9)
Re(k) ≈ + RdcC/2 ω ( 1 - tanL/2) + O(ω3/2)

Im(k) ≈ - RdcC/2 ω ( 1 + tanL/2) + O(ω3/2)
In this case, Im(k) → 0 as ω→0 so there is no DC loss in the dielectric. This is as expected with σd= 0
which implies Z0 = ∞ and I = 0 for an infinite transmission line. See Fig K.4 with no ladder rungs.
538
Q.5 The general appearance of Re(k) and Im(k) for Belden 8281 cable
Here we are interested in viewing the real and imaginary parts of Re(k) over the full frequency range, not
just at the extremes of small ω and large ω. The expressions shown in (Q.2.1) are,
(Q.5.1)
For frequencies below ωL and ωR of the parameter model of Section Q.1, the above expressions become
(Q.5.2)
Each expression depends on ω in five places, and is also a function of Rdc, Le, Lidc, C, ωd, and tanL. For
this reason, it is difficult to make generalizations about the ω dependence of Re(k) and Im(k) which
would apply to all possible transmission lines. We shall consider the Belden 8281 cable of Appendix R to
be a "typical" transmission line with regard to the relative sizes of the parameters just listed, and we shall
create plots of Rek and Imk for that specific system. For this cable, ωR ≈ 550,000 and ωL ≈ 700,000 so the
above expressions for Rek and Imk would apply for ω < 500,000 as used in the plots below.
First of all, recall from (Q.2.1) that
a2-c a2+c
Rek = 2 -Imk = 2 . (Q.5.3)
We use the expressions for a and c shown in (Q.2.1), along with the expressions for R,G,C,L given in the
model (Q.1.9), and data for C, σd, εd, Rdc, Le and Lidc taken from the Belden Appendix R.
C = 69 pF/m Le = 361.4 μH/m

Rdc = .0360910 ohms/m Lidc = 58 nH/m
εd = 2.3 ε0 σd = 10-15 mho/m => ωd = 4.8 x 10-5 sec-1 > 0
a1 = (1/2)* 787.4 μ p1 = 2πa1
a2 = ((1/2)*5020.2 + 11.5) μ p2 = 2πa2 (Q.5.4)
539
Here is a plot of the ratio c/a2,
Fig Q.5.1
This shows that c << a2 on the left side of the graph, so for that range we would expect to find that Rek
and Imk are about the same. That fact is born out in this plot of Rek and -Imk for ω in (10,500,000):
Fig Q.5.2
The red curve is Rek, while the black curve is - Imk. This plot then gives a good view of Rek and Imk for
what one would normally call "the low frequency range" of this Belden cable, roughly below 1 MHz.
However, this is not the low frequency range for which (Q.4.6) applies. Recall that (Q.4.6) only applies
for ω < ωd and ωd = σd/εd ≈ 5 x 10-5 for the Belden 8281 cable, so ω < ωd is what we might call the
"ultra low frequency range". We can redo the above plot in the ultra-low range ω = 10-7 to 10-2 sec-1 :
540
Fig Q.5.3
This shows what happens as we go off the left edge of the previous graph. We find that -Imk goes to a
constant, while Rek has slope 1 so is proportional to ω. This is consistent with the low ω limit (Q.4.6),
Re(k) ≈ (ω/2) (Rdc + ωdLdc) C/(ωdRdc) + O(ω2) ω < ωd = (σd/εd) (Q.4.6)

2
Im(k) ≈ - RdcCωd [ 1 + (tanL/2) (ω/ωd)] + O(ω )
Specifically, RdcCωd = RdcGdc = .036 *.34 x 10-14 = 1.1 x 10-8 as the plot shows.
Having dealt with low and ultra-low frequencies, we turn now to higher frequencies, and for this purpose
we reinstall the full Heaviside model into our Maple code and then continue to make plots. For ω in the
range 103 to 107 one finds,
Fig Q.5.4
which shows what happens off the right end of Fig Q.5.2. For ω range 103 to 1010 the plot is,
541
Fig Q.5.5
where we have used a transparent overlay to show the slopes of Rek and Imk. Certainly ω = 1010
corresponding to f = 1.6 GHz is getting near the high end of the usefulness of Belden 8281 cable, but the
slope of Imk (on this log log plote) is still 1/2, indicating that Imk ~ ω . Thus we have not yet reached
the true high frequency limit for Im(k) which (Q.3.5) says is this,
Re(k) ≈ (ω/vd) + (vdκC/2) ω + (1/4vd)(ωd +vd4C2κ2/2) tanL + O(1/ ω )

Im(k) ≈ - (ω/vd) tanL/2 - (vdκC/2) ω - (1/2vd)(ωd - vd4C2κ2/2) + O(1/ ω ) . (Q.3.5)
It is the smallness of tanL/(2vd) which causes - (vdκC/2) ω to still be the leading term. Finally, we take
ω even higher to get this final plot for ω in 108 to 1013 ( 1600 GHz ),
Fig Q.5.6
542
and finally the slope of Imk is 1 showing that the first term in (Q.3.5) is now dominant. Of course at this
value of 1600 GHz (ω=1013) one sees that -Im(k) ≈ .1e3 = 100 which means the cable is good for a length
of about 1 cm (ejkz ~ e-Im(k)z ).
Finally, we can combine all the above onto a single graph, where the horizontal axis shows log10(ω) :
vertical: Red = Re[k(ω)] horizontal: log10(ω)

Black = - Im[k(ω)] Fig Q.5.7
The origin represents (ω = 100 = 1 sec-1, value = 1 m-1). Note that all plotted values are positive, and that
the functions plotted are Re(k) and - Im(k). The plots are for the simple model presented in Section Q.1.
Function Re(k) (red) is the lower function on the left and the upper function on the right.
543
We now clutter up the above figure by adding two more functions βd = ω/vd (green) and |k| (blue) :
Fig Q.5.8
The green function βd is a straight line and it just lies underneath the red line on the right.
The blue function |k| lies just above the uppermost of the red or black curve at any point.
Notice that |k| ≥ βd ( blue ≥ green) for all ω and |k| ≈ βd at high frequencies.
The close lines really overlap, so we have artifically added a factor of 1/2 and 2 in the logplot call to pull
them apart just to make them visible.
Note on Log Plots: We are using ancient Maple V which has a bug in its distribution of sample points for
the semilogplot and loglogplot functions. For this reason, these plotting calls are inaccurate if the ω
domain is more than a few decades wide. This bug has no doubt been fixed in later Maple releases. As a
workaround, we use the method shown above to force an equal spacing of points per decade. Just for the
record, here is what Maple V shows for the plot of Fig Q.5.7 even with 10,000 plotting points
// Bad Plot !
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Q.6 Real and Imaginary parts of Z0(ω)
Fact 5: The real and imaginary decomposition of Z0 is given by (Q.6.1)
R + jωL z
Z0 = G + jωC = = ( b/ 2 ) [ 1+(d/a2) - jS 1-(d/a2) ]
y
R2+ω2L2
where b = ( G2+ω2C2 )1/4 = |Z0| a = [(R2+ω2L2)(G2+ω2C2)]1/4 as in (Q.2.1)
S = sign(RC-LG) d = RG + ω2LC
Proof of Fact 5: The proof is similar to that of Fact 1, (Q.2.1). Let
z R+jωL
q= = G+jωC = |q| ejθ -π < θ < π ( but see few lines below) .
y
Then
R+jωL R2+ω2L2 R2+ω2L2
|q|2 = | G+jωC | 2 = G2+ω2C2 ≡ b4 => |q| = 2
G2+ω2C2 = b .
Next,
R+jωL R+jωL G-jωC (R+jωL)(G-jωC) RG+jω(LG-RC) + ω2LC

q = G+jωC = G+jωC G-jωC = G2+ω2C2 = G2+ω2C2
so
RG + ω2LC
Re(q) = G2+ω2C2 >0 => -π/2 < θ < π/2
ω(LG-RC)
Im(q) = G2+ω2C2 sign[Im(q)] = sign(LG-RC) = sign(θ) ≡ -S .
Then
(RG + ω2LC) G2+ω2C2 RG + ω2LC
cosθ = Re(q)/ |q| = G2+ω2C2 R2+ω2L2 =
(G2+ω2C2)( R2+ω2L2)
≡ d/a2 where a = [(R2+ω2L2)(G2+ω2C2)]1/4 and d ≡ RG + ω2LC .

Now write
z
s≡ = q = |s| eiφ |s| = |q| = b = |Z0| φ = θ/2 -π/4 < φ < π /4
y
545
Re(s) = |s| cosφ = b cos(θ/2) = b (1 +cosθ)/2 = (b/ 2 ) 1+d/a2

Im(s) = |s| sinφ = b sin(θ/2) = -σ b (1 -cosθ)/2 = -σ (b/ 2 ) 1-d/a2
giving the result
s = (b/ 2 ) [ 1+d/a2 - jS 1-d/a2 ]
R2+ω2L2
where b = (G2+ω2C2 )1/4 = |Z0| a = [(R2+ω2L2)(G2+ω2C2)]1/4
S = sign(RC-LG) d ≡ RG + ω2LC .
Our Maple verification of this result is a bit ugly so we omit the code.
An alternate geometric derivation giving the same results begins as follows, where z = jω
R +zL L z + (R/L) L z+r

Z0 = G +zC = C z + (G/C) = C z + g where r = (R/L) and g = (G/C) .
Fig Q.6.1
L z+r
The drawing shows the complex z plane for the function Z0(z) = C z + g in the particular case
that r > g, where the z-plane has a branch cut from -r to -g. The z values of interest are only those on the
positive imaginary axis where z = jω.
Reader Exercise: Finish this derivation and obtain the results shown in (Q.6.1).
Hint: cos(β-α) = (rg+ω2)/(AB) and sin(β-α) = ω(r-g)/(AB) where A = ω2+r2 and B = ω2+g2 .
546
Q.7 Large ω limit of Z0(ω)
For large ω, our models for G,R,L were found to be
G = C(ωd + t ω) R=κ ω L= 1/(Cvd2) + κ/ ω . (Q.3.2)
These expressions are entered into Maple as in Section Q.3 above. Next, enter the intermediate variables
a, b, and d from box (Q.6.1)
The real part of Z0(ω) is then given from (Q.6.1) as follows:
The asymptotic expansion of Re(Z0) for large ω is then found to be,
547
This expansion has the form A + B/ ω + C/ω + O(ω-3/2) but above we only display term A because the
other expressions are large and uninspiring. As before, we pick off each term, simplify it, then expand it
for small t:
Collecting the results and keeping only the leading terms in t = tanL, the resulting large ω limit for Re(k)
is seen to be,
Re(Z0) ≈ 1/(vdC) + (vdκ/2) 1/ ω + O(1/ω) (Q.7.1)
where we have ignored the details of the O(1/ω) term.
Treating Im(Z0) in the same manner one finds,
Again this expansion has the form A + B/ ω + C/ω + O(ω-3/2) but we only display term A because
expressions are clumsy. As before, we pick off each term, simplify it, then expand it for small t:
548
Collecting the results and keeping only the leading terms in t = tanL, the resulting large ω limit for Im(k)
is seen to be,
Im(Z0) ≈ -S tanL /(2vdC) + S (vdκ/2) 1/ ω + O(1/ω) (Q.7.2)
where we have again ignored the details of the O(1/ω) term.
Finally, S is the sign of expression RC-LG,
so for large ω and small t = tanL we have
S = sign [ - (tanL /vd2) ω + κC ω - ωd/vd2 ] (Q.7.3)
which then gives S = -1 for very large ω. We now summarize these results :
549
Fact 6: The large ω asymptotic expansion for Z0(ω), assuming tanL << 1, is given by (Q.7.4)
Re(Z0) ≈ [1/(vdC)] + (vdκ/2) / ω + O(1/ω)

Im(Z0) ≈ [ 1/(vdC)] tanL/2 - (vdκ/2) / ω + O(1/ω)
1 1 μ
where κ≡ (p +p ) 2σ
1 2
Keeping only the leading terms for large ω,
Re(Z0) ≈ 1/(vdC) = Le/C ≈ L/C vd = 1/ LeC ≈ 1/ LC

Im(Z0) ≈ + tanL/(2vdC) = (1/2) tanL Le/C S = -1
The leading term Re(Z0) ≈ L/C is the usual result obtained from taking the large ω limit of the
R + jωL
expression Z0 = G + jωC when the four parameters are treated as constants in ω. This fact is obvious
from the large-ω model stated in (Q.3.1) which we repeat here:
R(ω) = κ ω
1 1 μ
L(ω) = 1/(Cvd2) + (κ/ ω ) . κ≡ (p +p ) 2σ (Q.3.1)
1 2
Since tanL << 1 one has
G + jωC = C (ωd + tanL ω ) + jωC = C ωd + ωC( tanL + j) ≈ ωCj = jωC

R + jωL = κ ω + jω [1/(Cvd2) + (κ/ ω ) ] ≈ jωLe ≈ jωL
so
Z0 = jωL/jωC = L/C .
550
Q.8 Small ω limit of Z0(ω)
The same partition into ωd > 0 and ωd = 0 occurs here as in Section Q.4.
Small ω limit of Z0(ω) for ωd > 0
For small ω the parameter model is that stated in (Q.4.2.)
G = C(ωd + t ω) R = Rdc L = Ldc . (Q.4.2)
These expressions are entered into Maple as in Section Q.4 followed by expressions for the intermediate
parameters of (Q.6.1),
The real part of Z0(ω) is then given from (Q.6.1) as follows:
The expansion of Re(Z0) for small ω is found to be,
551
We thus find that, for small ω,
Re(Z0) ≈ Rdc/(Cωd) - Rdc/(Cωd) tanL/2 (ω/ωd) + O(ω2) . (Q.8.1)
The expansion of Im(Z0) for small ω is then found to be,
We thus find that, for small ω,
Im(Z0) ≈ - (1/2) S | Rdc - ωdLdc| (ω/ωd) / RdcC ωd + O(ω2) . (Q.8.2)
Finally, S is the sign of expression RC-LG,
Then for small ω , RC-LG = C(Rdc-ωdLdc), so S = sign(Rdc-ωdLdc). Thus
Im(Z0) ≈ - (1/2) ( Rdc - ωdLdc ) (ω/ωd) / RdcC ωd + O(ω2) .
To summarize:
Fact 7: The small ω limit for Z0(ω), assuming ωd > 0, is given by (Q.8.3)
Re(Z0) ≈ Rdc/(Cωd) - Rdc/(Cωd) tanL/2 (ω/ωd) + O(ω2)

Im(Z0) ≈ - (1/2) ( Rdc - ωdLdc ) (ω/ωd) / RdcC ωd + O(ω2) ω < ωd ≡ (σd/εd)
As ω→0, we find that Z0 → Rdc/(Cωd) = Rdc/Gdc , in agreement with result (2) of the Reader
Exercise below Fig K.4.
552
Small ω limit of Z0(ω) for ωd= 0
We rerun the Maple code shown above setting ωd = 0 at the start. For Re(Z0) one finds,
Expanding each coefficient for small t gives,
Thus the small ω expansion for Re(Z0) is
Re(Z0) ≈ Rdc/(2C) 1/ ω + (1/2) [Ldc/ 2RdcC ] ω + O(ω3/2) (Q.8.4)
Treating Im(Z0) in the same manner one finds,
553
Expanding each coefficient for small t gives,
from which we can write the small ω, small t expansion of Im(Z0),
Im(Z0) ≈ - S Rdc/(2C) 1/ ω + (1/2) S [Ldc/ 2RdcC ] ω + O(ω3/2) (Q.8.5)
Since S is the sign of (RC-LG) and since
we conclude that for small ω, S = +1. To summarize:
Fact 8: The small ω limit for Z0(ω), assuming ωd = 0, is given by (Q.8.6)
Re(Z0) ≈ Rdc/(2C) 1/ ω + (1/2) [Ldc/ 2RdcC ] ω + O(ω3/2)

Im(Z0) ≈ - Rdc/(2C) 1/ ω + (1/2) [Ldc/ 2RdcC ] ω + O(ω3/2)
We can quickly verify the leading terms:
554
R + jωL Rdc + jωLdc Rdc Rdc Rdc

Z0 = G + jωC = (C tanL) ω + jωC ≈ jωC = ωC -j = ωC (1-j)/ 2
Rdc 1
= 2C (1 - j) .
ω
As suggested by the network model for ωd = 0 and ω = 0,
Fig D.8
it is not surprising that Z0 → ∞ as ω→0. The phase is perhaps unexpected.
Q.9 The general appearance of Re(Z0) and Im(Z0) for Belden 8281 cable
This section is very similar to Section Q.5 above concerning the appearance of k(ω). We are interested in
viewing the real and imaginary parts of Re(Z0) over the full frequency range, not just at the extremes of
small ω and large ω. The expressions shown in (Q.6.1) are,
(Q.9.1)
When the full Heaviside model of Section Q.1 is inserted for the parameters R,L and G, one can see that
ReZ0 and ImZ0 are complicated functions of ω. Rather than attempt to deal with generic special cases
(such as small G), we shall again consider the Belden 8281 cable of Appendix R to be a "typical"
transmission line with regard to the relative sizes of the parameters Rdc, Le, Lidc, C, ωd, and tanL. In our
model the "low frequency" range will be taken to be ω = 1 to 500,000.
A new feature not present in the k(ω) case is the sign S which from (Q.6.1) is S = sign(RC-LG). Here
are plots of RC-LG and S = sign(RC-LG) for the Belden cable, using the same wide-range ω plotting trick
mentioned at the end of Section Q.5 ( horizontal axis labeled by log10(ω) ):
555
RC-LG S
Fig Q.9.1
Basically S = +1 up to about ω = 1011 then it becomes -1.
Now recall from (Q.6.1) that
Rek = ( b/ 2 ) [ 1+(d/a2) ] -Imk = S ( b/ 2 ) [ 1-(d/a2) ] . (Q.9.2)
We use the expressions for a,b,d,S shown in (Q.6.1), along with the expressions for R,G,C,L given in the
model (Q.1.9), and Belden cable data for C, σd, εd, Rdc, Le and Lidc as shown in (Q.5.4).
Here is a plot of the ratio d/a2 (using our model and the Belden parameters) only up to ω = 500,000 :
Fig Q.9.2
This shows that d << a2 on the left side of the graph, so for that range we would expect to find that ReZ0
and -ImZ0 are about the same. That fact is born out in this plot of ReZ0 and - ImZ0 for ω in (10,500,000):
556
Fig Q.9.3
The red curve is ReZ0, while the black curve is - ImZ0. This plot then gives a good view of ReZ0 and
ImZ0 for what one would normally call "the low frequency range" of this Belden cable, roughly below 1
MHz. However, this is not the low frequency range for which (Q.8.3) applies. Recall that (Q.8.3) only
applies for ω < ωd (and ωd = σd/εd ≈ 5 x 10-5 for the Belden 8281 cable), which we call "ultra low
frequencies". We can redo the above plot in the ultra-low range ω = 10-7 to 10-2 sec-1 :
Fig Q.9.4
This shows what happens going off the left edge of the previous graph. One sees that ReZ0 goes to a
constant, while -ImZ0 has slope 1 so is proportional to ω. This is consistent with the low ω limit (Q.8.3),
Re(Z0) ≈ Rdc/(Cωd) - Rdc/(Cωd) tanL/2 (ω/ωd) + O(ω2) (Q.8.3)

Im(Z0) ≈ - (1/2) ( Rdc - ωdLdc ) (ω/ωd) / RdcC ωd + O(ω2) ω < ωd ≡ (σd/εd)
Specifically, Rdc/(Cωd) = Rdc/Gdc = .036 /.34 x 10-14 = 3.25 x 106 as the plot shows.
Having dealt with low and ultra-low frequencies, we turn now to higher frequencies. For ω in the range
103 to 1010 one finds,
557
Fig Q.9.5
Recall that ImZ0 experiences a sign change in the region of ω = 1011 (sign S goes from +1 to -1) as
shown in this non-log plot of just -ImZ0 for ω=109 to 1018:
Fig Q.9.6
In fact, -ImZ0 approaches the constant value indicated in the large ω limit given in (Q.7.4),
Re(Z0) ≈ [1/(vdC)] + (vdκ/2) / ω + O(1/ω)

Im(Z0) ≈ [ 1/(vdC)] tanL/2 - (vdκ/2) / ω + O(1/ω) (Q.7.4)
1 1 μ
where κ≡ (p +p ) 2σ
1 2
that value being about
ImZ0 → [ 1/(vdC)] tanL/2 = [ εd/ε0 /(cC)] tanL/2 = [ 2.3 /(3x108 x 69 x 10-12)] .0005/2
in agreement with the above plot.
558
Because -ImZ0 goes negative, we cannot do a full log plot of -ImZ0 without adding a small positive
offset. This problem did not arise when dealing with k(ω) in Section Q.5 because Imk must always be
negative to insure a loss (and not a gain!) at any ω.
Adding an offset of .02, we then make our plot over a full range of ω:
Red = Re(Z0) Black = -Im(Z0) +.02 Fig Q.9.7
We have just shown that, for large ω, ImZ0 approaches the constant - .18 Ω shown in (Q.7.4). We now
see that ReZ0 also approaches a constant value [1/(vdC)] = [ εd/ε0 /(cC)] which is
559
This value of 73.26Ω is slightly less than the nominal cable impedance of 75Ω. The following plot shows
ReZ0 (red) and -ImZ0 (black) for 10 KHz to 100 KHz on the left, and 100 KHz to 1 GHz on the right :
Fig Q.9.8
Above 100 KHz -ImZ0 can be neglected, but at 10KHz it jumps up to 45 Ω.
560
Appendix R : Belden 8281 Coaxial Cable
Appendix R: Belden 8281 Coaxial Cable, a Case Study
Here we gradually work our way through Belden's data sheet for its "8281" coaxial cable, correlating the
data presented there with the general theory of this document. The data sheet is available here,
www.belden.com/techdatas/metric/8281.pdf
but we will be quoting most of it below. We note that over the decades, the parameters on this data sheet
have changed slightly. At its market introduction more than 50 years ago, this RG-59 75Ω coaxial cable
was pretty much top of the line for general purpose RF use, and it is still available today. It is often used
to carry uncompressed analog video signals. Today Belden offers more advanced coaxial cables for use
with high bandwidth digital video signals. Such cables often have a foam dielectric to reduce attenuation,
while the 8281 cable has a solid polyethylene dielectric.
Below we use various equations from our main document to construct a "model" of the Belden cable,
but this model is limited to "high frequency" meaning here roughly f > 1 MHz. A more careful analysis
would also produce a "low frequency" model for frequencies from DC to 1 MHz, and would then blend
these two models at the boundary in some smooth manner.
Of the four transmission line parameters R,L,G,C, only C is treated below as a constant in frequency,
although L is roughly constant in our frequency range of interest. Often in textbook treatments, all four
parameters are considered constants when expressions like k(ω) and Z0(ω) are plotted (see below).
(a) Geometry of the cable
We start with this data from the Belden specification,
561
The center wire is solid copper with a specified diameter of 0.7874 mm, so a1 = .7874/2 mm = 0.3937
mm = 393.7 μ. The diameter of the PE core is specified as 5.0202 mm so the radius is 5.0202/2 =
2.5101mm = 2510.1μ. This core is surrounded by a tinned double copper braid. One sometimes adds the
radius (80 μ) of the fine braiding wire to the effective outer cable radius, but we shall add 11.5 μ to the
radius since this makes C match the Belden data sheet value if εd/ε0 = 2.3000. So a2 = 2510.1+11.5 =
2521.6 μ. We then have,
a1 = 393.7 μ inner wire radius

a2 = 2521.6 μ inside radius of the shield
Obviously the 2.3000 number is not exact. We are just building a reasonable model here to try and
replicate the Belden claimed cable parameters, and some parameters have to be tuned to get consistency.
The double braid is not exactly the same as a solid cylindrical shell of copper, so things are approximate.
As we go along here, the corresponding Maple code will be displayed. So far then,
where all quantities are stated in the usual SI units (meters for a1 and a2). From these radii one computes
K from (4.6.3),
K = 2 ln(a2/a1) , (4.6.3)
to get K = 3.7141,
(b) Capacitance C
Assuming εd/ε0 = 2.3000, one uses (4.4.17)
C = 4πεd/K capacitance per unit length (4.4.17)
to get
562
The Belden data sheet quotes C = 68.901 pF/m.
in agreement with our calculation. We regard C as a constant independent of ω.
(c) Conductance G
The DC conductance G of the dielectric is related to the capacitance according to
Gdc = (σdc/εd) C (4.11.15)
where σdc is the DC dielectric conductivity. Recall now (3.3.4),
σeff = ( σdc + ωε'd tanL) (3.3.4)
which gives the effective conductivity of the dielectric in terms of the DC conductivity σd , the real part
of εd called ε'd and the loss tangent factor. For PE we know that σdc ~ 10-15 so we neglect that term. We
shall be using tanL = .0005 below, and since this is small, ε'd ≈ εd. Finally, to reduce symbol clutter we
rename σeff to be σd so the above equation becomes
σd = εd tanL ω => (σd/εd) = tanL ω
and then
G = tanL ω C = tanL 2πf C . (R.1)
Although Fig 3.1 mentions tanL = .0002 for a high quality sample of polyethylene, our experience has
shown that for the bulk low-cost PE product used in coaxial cables, tanL ≈ .0005. The larger loss is due to
many effects including milling, aging (oxidation), water absorption ("treeing") and additives intended to
reduce these loss effects. Very poor quality PE can have a loss tangent (tanL= tanδ = dissipation factor)
of .0075. For more accuracy, one can develop frequency dependent models for tanL .
The corresponding Maple expressions are duly entered,
where the last notation indicates that G(f) is a function of frequency f.
563
In either the Z0 or attenuation calculations below, the quantity G + jωC ( = y) always appears as a
grouping, and we have determined that
G + jωC = tanL ω C + jωC = (-j tanL + 1) jωC = (1 - 0 .0005j ) jωC . (R.2)
Based on this grouping, one sees that our model is not very sensitive to the value of tanL as long as it is a
relatively small value.
(d) External inductance Le

μ0
Using the numbers developed so far, one computes Le from Le = 4π K in (4.12.24) :
which is Le = 371.41 nH/m.
(e) Total DC Inductance
From (C.3.10) we know that the center wire DC internal inductance is given by
μ0
Li(center) = 8π = 50 nH/m . DC (C.3.10)
Assuming the shield has a thickness t, (C.6.8) indicates that
μ0
Li(shield) = 8π [ (4/3)(t/a2) ] . DC thin shell, valid for t << a2 . (C.6.8)
We can compute an effective shield thickness t by making use of its DC resistance R2DC:
R2DC = ρ/A = 1/(σA) = 1/(σ 2πa2t)
=> t = 1/(σ 2πa2R2DC) (R.3)
Then
μ0 1
Li(shield) = 8π [ (4/3) σ 2πa 2R ]. (R.4)
2 2DC
The value of R2DC is specified as 3.6091 ohms/km,
564
Here then are some calculations leading to a total DC inductance for the cable,
The center wire contributes 50.00 nH/m to the DC internal inductance, while the shield contributes
another 7.96 nH/m giving a total of 57.96 nH/m for the total cable internal DC inductance. When this is
added to the external inductance Le of 371.41 nH/m, the total is seen to be 429.37 nH/m. The Belden data
sheet quotes 429.811 nH/m giving a small discrepancy of 1/10th of 1% compared to our calculation,
We see that Belden's "nominal inductance" is the total DC inductance of the cable Le + Li .
565
(f) High Frequency Inductance and Resistance
At high ω where the skin effect dominates, one thinks of the current being restricted to a sheath of
approximate thickness δ (skin depth). In Chapter 2 we showed that, for the center conductor of radius a1,
the high frequency resistance and internal inductance (per unit length) are given by,
1
R1 = σ(2πa )δ (2.4.18)
1
1 1 1 μ0
L1i = (1/ω) R1 = ωσ(2πa )δ = = 2πa 2σω . (2.4.19)
1 ωσ(2πa1) 2/ωμ0σ 1
It was noted that R1 has the simple interpretation of being the resistance of a shell of radius a1 and
thickness δ.
Since this same kind of thin skin-effect sheath also exists on the inner surface of the outer conductor, we
shall assume that the corresponding parameters for the outer conductor are obtained by replacing a1 by a2
in the above, so
1
R2 = σ(2πa )δ
1
1 1 1 μ0
L2i = ωσ(2πa )δ = = 2πa 2σω . (R.5)
2 ωσ(2πa2) 2/ωμ0σ 2
We have assumed that the shield and center conductor are made of the same metal (copper) with σ and δ.
For other cables, the shield might be aluminum foil, and one would then adjust the above equations.
Adding, we then arrive at these expressions for high frequency resistance and internal inductance:
1 1 1
R = σ(2π)δ [ a + a ]
1 2
R 1 1 1 1 1 1
Li = ω = ωσ(2π)δ [ a + a ] = fσ(2π)2δ [ a1 + a2 ] . (R.6)
1 2
At 1 MHz (2.3.9) says δ = 66μ . Since the center conductor has a1 = radius 394μ and the shield has
thickness t = 301μ, we shall restrict our model to apply only to frequencies over 1 MHz (ballpark).
1 1
For the Belden 8281 cable, the first term in [ a + a ] is 6.4 times larger than the second term
1 2
so most of the R and Li at high frequency come from the inner conductor, not the shield.
566
(g) The Tinning Correction
A model complication is that the 160μ diameter copper braid wires (34 gauge) of the shield are coated
with tin of thickness 1.3μ (50 micro-inches). This coating is added to prevent the copper shield from
oxidizing. At 1 GHz (2.3.9) gives δcopper = 2.09μ. Since tin has about 6.3 times more resistance than
copper, and since δ = 2/ωμσ , one finds that δtin = 5.24μ at 1 GHz. As the frequency increases, one has
to somehow gradually replace the copper δ with the tin δ in the second term of the R and Li expressions
above. An analytic solution to this problem can be found by applying the Helmholtz equation [∇2+β2]E =
0 to a simple one-dimensional model of the tin/copper interface. We have done this and then obtained the
following "phenomenological" model to handle the tinning correction:
1 1 1
R = σ(2π)δ [ a + a * tf ]
1 2
1 1 1
Li = fσ(2π)2δ [ a + a * tf ] Li = R /(2πf)
1 2
tf = 1.765 + 0.8 tanh( f(GHz) - 1.9) " tinning factor" (R.7)
Here is a plot of this tinning factor for f ranging from 10 KHz to 1 GHz,
Fig R.1
Tinning Factor versus Frequency
1 1
It was shown above that a is 6.4 times larger than a , so the tinning factor correction is fairly small at
1 2
frequencies below 1 GHz (our region of interest). Even at 1 GHz we have
567
1 1
Rcorrected a1 + a2 * tf
Runcorrected = 1 1 = 1.026
+
a1 a2
so the tinning factor increases R and Li by about 2.6% at 1 GHz, and less below 1 GHz. Although small,
we shall include this tinning correction in our calculations below.
Here then are the Maple entries for high-frequency R and Li, where δ = 2/(ωμσ) = 1/(πfμσ) :
Since δ ~ 1/ f and Li ~ 1/(δf) ~ 1/ f , the internal inductance Li drops off rapidly at high frequencies
and is in general much smaller than Le. This is due to the fact shown in (C.6.8) that the internal
inductance of an annular shell goes to zero as that shell (thickness δ) becomes thinner. Here is a plot of Li
(red), Le = 371.4 nH (black), and L = Li+ Le (green) for f in the range 1 MHz to 1 GHz,
568
Fig R.2
Thus, for our range of interest, L is dominated by Le.

The corresponding plot of resistance R is the following,
Fig R.3
Notice that this plotteed R is in ohms/m, whereas the DC resistances of the center wire and shield are
stated in ohms/km,
Compared to these DC resistances, resistance R is quite large, and of course this is due to the skin effect.
569
(h) Characteristic Impedance
Although the cable has a nominal Z0 of 75Ω,
the actual Z0 is a slow function of frequency and can vary slightly (~1.5Ω) from the advertised nominal
value. Recall from Chapter 4 that
z R + jωL
Z0 ≡ V(z)/i(z) = = G + jωC (4.12.18)
y
which is in general complex. We enter this into Maple,
where the functions R(f), L(f) and G(f) have been stated above. We then plot Re{Z0} for f ranging from
1MHz to 10 GHz,
Fig R.4
Recall that our cable model using high frequency expressions for Li and R is only valid above 1 MHz
more or less. The plot shows that the cable has Z0 = 75Ω near f = 2 MHz, but drops to 73.48 Ω at 1 GHz,
and is a little larger than 75Ω below 2 MHz.
The imaginary part of Z0 over this same frequency range is on the order of - 1 Ω :
570
Fig R.5
A proper no-reflections termination of the cable thus requires both a resistance on the order of 75Ω and a
small reactive component.
Since the imaginary part is so small, there is little distinction between Re(Z0) and |Z0|. This is
illustrated in the following plot,
Fig R.6
where the red ( Re(Z0) ) and green ( |Z0| ) curves lie right on top of each other.
At large ω, we expect Z0 to approach a limiting value of 73.42Ω ,
Z0 = L/C → Le/C
571
in agreement with Fig R.4 above.

At very low ω, we have instead that Z0 = R/G . One can use R = .036 Ω/m by adding the DC
resistances of the shield and center conductor. However, G is miniscule at DC since polyethylene is such
a good insulator, so Z0 is in the 3 MΩ range,
Here we have assumed σd ~ 10-15 mho/m, though this could be much larger for the kind of PE that is
used in Belden cables, resulting in a somewhat smaller Z0DC.
Our model does not account for micro detail involving the mesh shield and manufacturing variations,
and one finds with a network analyzer (and an actual piece of Belden 8281 cable) that there is "noise"
superimposed on our idealized plot of Z0 versus f which has an RMS value on the order of 1 ohm, see the
work of Van Der Burgt. He argues that due to this "noise", it makes little sense to try to pin down a Z0
tolerance beyond current values, although cable makers still try to do it as part of their marketing
specmanship wars.
(i) Phase Velocity and Attenuation
Recall (5.3.6) which we apply to the voltage on a transmission line whose left end is at z = 0:
V(z) = V(0) e-jkz = V(0) e-az e-jbz jk = a + jb = zy = (R+jωL)(G+jωC)
a ≡ Re( zy ) = Re[ (R+jωL)(G+jωC) ] = - Im(k) // attenuation per distance of F(z)

b = Im( zy ) = Im[ (R+jωL)(G+jωC) ] = Re(k) . // phase of F(z) (5.3.6)
Conventional symbols for the attenuation and phase constants are α and β, but here we call them a and b.
572
Phase Velocity
One can see that, for large ω,
b = Im[ (R+jωL)(G+jωC) ] = Im[ (jωL)(jωC) ] = ω Im[ -LC ] = ω LC
and therefore the cable phase velocity is given by
vphase = ω/Re(k) = ω/b = 1/ LC . // large ω
Since L ≈ Le in our frequency range of interest, and since the speed of light in the dielectric is determined
by vd = 1/ LeC = 1/ μdεd [see (4.12.19) ], we conclude that
vphase = vd = 1/ LeC = 1/ μdεd // large ω
and we can compute this two different ways, knowing that the result must be the same,
This is in agreement with the Belden claim,
The time for a phase front to move 1 meter is given by 1/vd ,
which is 5.059 nsec. Belden gives
which is within 1/10th a 1% of our computed value.
Reader Exercise: Derive an expression for group velocity vg in the presence of attenuation (k is
complex). How does your result compare with the classical expression 1/vg = ∂k/∂ω or vg = ∂ω/∂k ?
Using expressions of the model above, compute vg as a function of frequency. Since vg varies with f, the
573
cable exhibits dispersion -- pulses spread out as they are attenuated. Determine the group delay for a
narrow pulse to travel 1 m down the Belden cable. How does this delay compare with the phase delay
noted above? What is the effect of the tinning correction on group delay?
Attenuation
It is traditional to express attenuation in "voltage decibels" defined in this manner,
dB(z) = - 20 log10(voltage attenuation over distance z) '' decibels"
= - 20 log10(e-az) = 20 az log10(e) = [ 20 log10(e)] az = 8.686 az (R.8)
Belden provides attenuation data for z = 100 m of cable, so we just write ( see above, a = - Im(k) )
dB = 868.6 a = 868.6 [ - Im(k) ] > 0 . (R.9)
Here then is a plot of attenuation for frequency f in the range 1 MHz to 1 GHz :
Fig R.7
574
In order to compare this theoretical attenuation prediction with Belden's provided data, we first evaluate
our attenuation at the frequencies listed on the Belden data sheet,
Model Calculation of Attenuation Belden's Datasheet Attenuation
The following spreadsheet then compares Belden's decibel attenuation data with our model prediction,
As shown, the error goes down as one moves away from the lower part of the frequency range where the
model is least applicable.
575
Here is a plot of the results :
Fig R.8
We have included in the spreadsheet a model column which ignores the tinning correction (yellow
triangles). This column was obtained by setting tf(f) = 1 in the Maple code. We added a point at 2 GHz
for which Belden gives no data, and at that point one sees that the tinning correction starts to become a
little more visible. Tinning increases attenuation at high frequencies.
At one time we measured the attenuation of 100 m of Belden 8281 cable using a network analyzer
and found that the above model (with tinning correction) reasonably represents the cable up to 100 GHz.
576
Appendix S : Chapter 4 Averaging
Appendix S: Details of the Chapter 4 Averaging Procedure
Here we review the averaging process outlined in Section 4.12 (b) in more detail, and we maintain the
transverse derivatives of the vector potential which were neglected in that Section. Since the process is
explained there, here we just show what happens to the various equations. Corresponding equation
numbers from Chapter 4 are shown in italics. The function arguments suppressed in Chapter 4 for points
x1 and x2 are shown in red as (x1,x2). New terms arising from the previously neglected transverse vector
potential derivatives are shown in blue.
The potential difference between two conductors in the transmission line limit is given by
V(x1,x2) ≡ φ12(x1) - φ12(x2)

1 1 1
= 4πξ q(z) ∫ dz' { ∫ dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') R – ∫C
∞
dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R }
d -∞ C1 11 2 12
1 1 1
∫-∞ dz' { ∫C ∫C
∞
– 4πξ q(z) dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') R – dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') R } (4.4.1)
d 1 21 2 22
(S.1)
and later
1
V(x1,x2) = q(z) 4πξ { ∫ dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫ dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) }
d C1 C2
s212 = (x2-x1')2 + (y2-y1')2 s222 = (x2-x2')2 + (y2-y2')2 (4.4.6)

s112 = (x1-x1')2 + (y1-y1')2 s122 = (x1-x2')2 + (y1-y2')2 . (S.2)
Then
1 V(x1,x2)
= q(z) (S.3)
C'(x1,x2)
1
= 4πξ { ∫ dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫ dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) }
d C1 C2
1 1
= 4πξ K(x1,x2) and V(x1,x2) = q(z) 4πξ K(x1,x2) (4.4.7)
d d
where
1
K(x1,x2) = 4πξ { ∫ dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫ dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) } .
d C1 C2
(4.4.8) (S.4)
Continuing along,
Le(x1,x2) = (μd/4π)K(x1,x2) (4.4.11) (S.5)
Z0(x1,x2) = (1/4π) K(x1,x2) μd/εd . (4.4.14) (S.6)
577
We then move from the V section to the W section which is Section 4.10 :
μd
W(x1,x2) = i(z) 4π { ∫ dx1' dy1' b1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫ dx2' dy2' b2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) }
C1 C2
(4.10.4) (S.7)
W(x1,x2) = Le(x1,x2) i(z) . (4.10.7) (S.8)
W(x1,x2) μd
Le(x1,x2) = i(z) = 4π KL(x1,x2) (4.10.8) (S.9)
where KL is a dimensionless function we can compare to K,
KL(x1,x2) ≡ ∫C dx1' dy1' b1(x1',y1') ln(s212/s112) - ∫

C2
dx2' dy2' b2(x2',y2') ln(s222/s122) . (4.10.9)
1
(S.10)
K(x1,x2) ≡ ∫C dx1' dy1' α1(x1',y1') ln(s21 /s11 ) - ∫
2 2
C2
2 2
dx2' dy2' α2(x2',y2') ln(s22 /s12 ) . (4.4.8)
1
Moving along to Section 4.12 (a) we find (evaluated at some point x )
E = - grad φ - ∂tA (1.3.1)

div A = - μdεd ∂tφ - μσφ . // the King gauge (1.3.18) (S.11)
Both the above equations are exact and can be rewritten as:
Ez(x) = - ∂zφ(x) - jωAz(x)

∂zAz(x) + (∂xAx + ∂yAy) = - j (βd2/ω) φ(x) . (4.12.3) (S.12)
where the blue term (∂xAx + ∂yAy) was assumed to vanish in Chapter 4, but now we maintain it in what
follows, continuing through the development of Section 4.12. Taking into account both conductors gives
Ez(x) = - ∂zφ12(x) - jωAz12(x) (4.12.4a)

∂zAz12(x) + (∂xAx12(x) + ∂yAy12(x)) = - j (βd2/ω)φ12(x) . (4.12.4b) (S.13)
Then evaluate at x1 and x2 and subtract to get
Ez(x1) - Ez(x2) = -∂z[φ12(x1) - φ12(x2)] - jω[Az12(x1) - Az12(x2)] (4.12.5a)
∂z[Az12(x1) - Az12(x2)] + (∂xAx12(x1) - ∂xAx12(x2)) + (∂yAy12(x1) - ∂yAy12(x2))

= - j (β2/ω)[φ12(x1) - φ12(x2)] . (4.12.5b) (S.14)
578
We then define
V(x1,x2) ≡ φ12(x1) - φ12(x2) (4.4.1)

W(x1,x2) ≡ Az12(x1) - Az12(x2) (4.10.1) (S.15)
and rewrite the previous equation pair as
Ez(x1) - Ez(x2) = - ∂zV(x1,x2) - jωW(x1,x2) (4.12.6a) (S.16)

2
∂zW(x1,x2) = (∂xAx12(x1) - ∂xAx12(x2)) + (∂yAy12(x1) - ∂yAy12(x2)) - j (βd /ω) V(x1,x2). (4.12.6b)
Then define function T to represent the Transverse derivatives.
T(x1,x2) ≡ (∂xAx12(x1) - ∂xAx12(x2)) + (∂yAy12(x1) - ∂yAy12(x2)) . // dim(T) = tesla (S.17)
We can then "double average" V,W and T as demonstrated in (4.12.13) to obtain from (S.16) 2nd line,
∂zW(z) = T(z) - j (βd2/ω) V(z) (S.18)
where
W(z) ≡ <W(x1,x2)>C1,C2 (4.12.7)

V(z) ≡ <V(x1,x2)>C1,C2 (4.12.7)
T(z) ≡ <T(x1,x2)>C1,C2 . (S.19)
The first line in (S.16) is then double-averaged to give
[Ez1(z) - Ez2(z)] = - ∂zV(z) - jω W(z) (4.12.6a) (S.20)
where for example,

Ez1(z) ≡ <Ez1(x1)>C1,C2 = (1/P1) ∫C1 ds1 (1/P2)∫C2 ds2 Ez1(x1) = (1/P1) ∫C1 ds1 Ez1(x1)
= <Ez1(x1)>C1 . (S.21)
Then Ez1(x1) = Zs1(x1) i1(z) gets double-averaged in the same way to define Zs1. At this point we have
[Zs1 + Zs2] i(z) = - ∂z V(z) - jω W(z)

∂zW(z) = - j (βd2/ω) V(z) + T(z) (4.12.11) (S.22)
where T(z) was not present in (4.12.11). From (S.9) we write the Le equation then double-average it,
W(x1,x2) W(z)
Le(x1,x2) = i(z) → Le = i(z) . (4.10.8) (S.23)
Since then W(z) = Le i(z), the equation pair (S.22) maybe be rewritten,
579
[Zs1 + Zs2] i(z) = - ∂z V(z) - jω W(z)

Le∂zi(z) = - j (βd2/ω) V(z) + T(z) (S.24)
or
∂zV(z) = - [ Zs1+ Zs2+ jωLe] i(z)
∂z i(z) = - [ jβd2/(ωLe)] V(z) + T(z)/Le (4.12.14) (S.25)
These are the classical transmission line equations, usually written as
dV(z) di(z)
dz = - z i(z) dz = - y V(z) + T(z)/Le (4.12.15) (S.26)
where
z = Zs1+ Zs2 + jωLe = R + jωL // z and R are ohms/m (S.27)

y = jβd2/(ωLe) = G +jωC = jωC' . // y and G are mhos/m (4.12.16) (S.28)
but now we have an extra term T(z)/Le in the ∂zi equation. Applying ∂z to the transmission line equations
(S.26) then re-using them results in the following second order transmission line equations:
d2V(z) d2i(z)
dz2 - zy V(z) = (-z/Le)T(z) dz2 - zy i(z) = (1/Le) ∂zT(z) . (4.12.17) (S.29)
which are now inhomogeneous differential equations due to T(z) ≠ 0.
In the z equation (S.27) both R and L can be represented as double averages,
R = < Re(z)>C1,C2 = <Re[Zs1(x1) + Zs2(x2) + jωLe(x1,x2)] >C1,C2

jωL = < Im(z)>C1,C2 = <Im[Zs1(x1) + Zs2(x2) + jωLe(x1,x2)] >C1,C2 . (S.30)
However, in the y equation (S.28) this cannot be done because the number Le ≡ <Le(x1,x2)>C1,C2 is in
the denominator instead of the numerator. Thus we must regard the numbers G,C and C' in (S.28) as
being defined by the quantity jβd2/(ωLe). However, we can invert both sides of the y equation to get
1/y = ωLe/(jβd2) = (1/C') /(jω) (S.31)
which can be interpreted as
1
ω/(jβd2) * < Le(x1,x2) >C1,C2 = (1/jω) * < > (S.32)
C'(x1,x2) C1,C2
or
1
ωLe/(jβd2) = < C' > /(jω) (S.33)
or
1
Le< C' >-1 = (βd2/ω2) = μdξd . // using (1.5.1a) (4.12.19) (S.34)
580
Comparing (S.33) with (S.31) shows that the number C' appearing in (S.31) and (S.28) can be interpreted
in this manner,
1
C' = < C' >-1 . (S.35)
Going back a bit, we had
1 1
= V(x1,x2)/q(z) = 4πξ K(x1,x2) (4.4.7) (S.3)
C'(x1,x2) d
W(x1,x2) μd
Le(x1,x2) = i(z) = 4π KL(x1,x2) (4.10.8) (S.9)
which can be double averaged to get
1 1
< C' > = V(z)/q(z) = 4πξ K (S.36)
d
W(z) μd
Le = i(z) = 4π KL . (S.37)
Inserting these last expressions into (S.34) gives,
1
Le< C' >-1 = μdξd
Substituting from (S.37) and (S.36) one then finds,
μd
[ 4π KL ] [4πξd/K] = μdξd
or
KL = K . (4.12.20) (S.38)
This equality has thus survived the double averaging procedure.
581
References
References
References are in alphabetical order by the last name of the (first) author. For broken links, the referenced
item can usually be found by a quick web search on the item title. [ all links verified 19 Oct 2014 ].
B.I. Bleaney and B. Bleaney, Electricity and Magnetism, 3rd Ed. (Oxford University Press, London,
1976). That would be Brevis Bleaney and wife Betty Isabelle. Brevis pioneered electron spin resonance
independently with Russian Yevgeny Zavoisky in 1944. This book was reissued in 2013 as a two-volume
paperback set. Chapter 10 on dielectrics is the first chapter of the second volume.
R.F. Eaton and C.J. Kmiec, "Electrical Losses in Coaxial Cable" (Proceedings of the 57th International
Wire and Cable Symposium, Nov. 2008), http://iwcs.omnibooksonline.com/data/papers/2008/14_2.pdf
[GR7] I.S. Gradshteyn and I.M. Ryzhik, Table of Integrals, Series, and Products, 7th Ed. (Academic
Press, New York, 2007). Editor Dan Zwillinger has been collecting errata. A PDF version exists.
H.A. Haus and J.R. Melcher, Electromagnetic Fields and Energy (Prentice-Hall, New Jersey, 1989).
Though out of print and hard to get, this very detailed and practical book is alive and well on the MIT
OpenCourseWare website where all chapters can be read and downloaded. Two of the instructors are the
authors. http://ocw.mit.edu/resources/res-6-001-electromagnetic-fields-and-energy-spring-2008/
C.L. Holloway and E.F. Kuester, "DC Internal Inductance for a Conductor of Rectangular Cross Section",
IEEE Transactions on Electromagnetic Compatibility, Vol. 51, No. 2, pp. 338-344, May 2009.
J.D. Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics, 3rd Ed. (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1998). The author was
fortunate to have learned his E&M from Dave Jackson circa 1971 (green 1st edition).
R.W.P. King, Electromagnetic Engineering (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1945). This is the first of twelve
books that Ronold King wrote or co-authored. His last was an antenna book (his specialty) published in
2002; he died in 2006 at age 100. It happens that the author did an "independent study" with Prof. King
circa 1969, but regrettably knew so little that Prof. King could only smile and be encouraging.
[TLT] R.W.P. King, Transmission Line Theory (Dover, 1965). Another of the twelve books.
C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, 4th Ed. (John Wiley & Son, New York, 1971) .
P. Lorrain, D.R Corson, F. Lorrain, Electromagnetic Fields and Waves, 3rd Ed. (W.H. Freeman & Co.,
New York, 1988). The first and second editions (without the third author) were published in 1962 and
1970. These authors have written various other books on related topics at least through 2006.
P. Lucht, Bipolar Coordinates and the Two-Cylinder Capacitor (2014). This document and the one you
are reading are downloadable at http://user.xmission.com/~rimrock. If not there, search on
or the document title.
P. Lucht, Tensor Analysis and Curvilinear Coordinates (2012). See previous reference.
582
References
P. Moon and D.E. Spencer, Field Theory Handbook, Including Coordinate Systems, Differential
Equations and their Solutions (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1961). This book is not about quantum field
theory or anything like that, it is about curvilinear coordinate systems, how the Laplace and Helmholtz
equations appear in each system, and what the solutions of these equations look like. This husband and
wife team wrote several excellent books. Long ago they were strangely involved in an accident involving
a test of general relativity.
P.M. Morse and H. Feshbach, Methods of Theoretical Physics ( McGraw-Hill, New York, 1953). This
2000 page 2-volume classic behemoth is simply amazing.
R. Nevels and C-S Shin, "Lorenz, Lorentz, and the Gauge", IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine,
Vol 43, No 3, June 2001, pp 70-71.
See www.engr.mun.ca/~egill/index_files/7811_w10/lorenz_gauge.pdf and elsewhere.
[NIST] F.W.J. Olver, D.W. Lozier, R.F. Boisvert and C.W. Clark, NIST Handbook of Mathematical
Functions (Cambridge University Press, 2010). NIST is the U.S. National Institute of Standards and
Technology which published the world-famous earlier edition in 1964 with editors Abramowitz and
Stegun, known affectionately as "A&S". The greatly expanded 2010 edition (968 p) can be accessed
online at dlmf.nist.gov which also has errata. The book (≥ $17) comes with a CD containing a
bookmarked PDF file which of course has been bootlegged onto the web. Olver died in 2013.
K.E. Oughstun, "EE 141 Lecture Notes Topic 15" (School of Engineering, University of Vermont, 2012).
See http://www.emba.uvm.edu/~keoughst/LectureNotes141/Topic_15_(Capacitance).pdf
W.K.H. Panofsky and M. Phillips, Classical Electricity and Magnetism, 2nd Ed. (Addison-Wesley,
Reading MA, 1962), reissued as a Dover paperback in 2005. Some of the fascinating history of Prof.
Wolfgang "Pief" Panofsky appears in Dave Jackson's Jan 2009 Physics Today article "Panofsky
agonistes" which can be found at http://www-theory.lbl.gov/jdj/PT_article.pdf.
H. Pender and W.A. Del Mar Editors, Handbook for Electrical Engineers, 2nd Ed (John Wiley & Sons,
New York, 1922).
D.B. Pengra, J. Stoltenberg, R. Van Dyck, O. Vilches, "The Hall Effect" (University of Washington, Dept
of Physics, 2007). http://courses.washington.edu/phys431/hall_effect/hall_effect.pdf .
A.D. Polyanin, Handbook of Linear Partial Differential Equations for Engineers and Scientists (Taylor &
Francis, CRC Press, 2001). Polyanin and his Russian friends have recently published a whole bookshelf
of fat and excellent handbooks. One deals with non-linear PDEs, another with integral equations. Search
for him at http://www.taylorandfrancis.com/search/ and on the web.
A.M. Portis, Electromagnetic Fields: Sources and Media (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1978).
D.M. Pozar, Microwave Engineering, 4th Ed. (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 2012). Chapters 2 and 3
concern transmission lines.
583
References
C. Quigley, "On the Origins of Gauge Theory" (2003),

www.math.toronto.edu/~colliand/426_03/Papers03/C_Quigley.pdf.
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A.A. Rodrígues and A. Valli, Eddy Current Approximation of Maxwell's Equations (Springer, Heidelberg,
2010).
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Plates", IEEE Trans. on Magnetics, Vol 33, No. 3, May 1997, pp 2245-2257.
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Antennas" (Harvard University Division of Engineering and Applied Physics, Technical Report No. 642,
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references. See also the search engine at www.dtic.mil/dtic .
W.R. Smythe, Static and Dynamic Electricity, 2nd Ed. ( McGraw-Hill, New York, 1950).
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dog-eared reliable friend for many years. John Liu was added for the 1999 2nd Ed, and Seymour
Lipschutz joined for the 2008 3rd Ed. Not to be confused with a watered-down "Easy Outline" version.
This low-cost paperback is an excellent fast reference for well-known mathematical facts. Our equation
numbers refer to the 1968 edition.
I. Stakgold, Boundary Value Problems of Mathematical Physics, Volumes 1 and 2 (MacMillan, London,
1967). These are astoundingly good books, but the high level of detail (the subject is intrinsically
complex) makes them hard to use in a normal "course", which is why the author later put out a condensed
single-volume version Green's Functions and Boundary Value Problems, now in a third edition. The
original two volumes were reprinted with some corrections in 2000 ( SIAM, Philadelphia). P. Lucht has a
short list of errata on line.
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http://www.belden.com/docs/upload/Precision-Video-Cables-Part-1.pdf . Part 2 is about return loss.
584

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Transmission Lines and Maxwell's Equations

Overview and Summary ......................................................................................................................... 8

Overview and Summary

∂zV(z) = - z i(z) ∂zi(z) = - yV(z) (4.12.15)

Symbols used in this document

Operators and Special Symbols

Lower Case Latin:

sij a 2D distance between points i and j

θν(z) Jν(ej3π/4z) = Mν(z) ejθν(z) for real z

Chapter 1: Basic Equations

1.1 Maxwell's Equations in a Conducting Dielectric Medium

Our working set of equations is the following:

curl H = ∂tD + J Maxwell curl H equation (J = Jc) (1.1.1)

curl E = - ∂tB Maxwell curl E equation (1.1.2)

div D = ρ Maxwell div D equation (ρ = ρfree) (1.1.3)

div B = 0 Maxwell div B equation (1.1.4)

B = μH magnetic permeability μ (1.1.5)

D = εE electric permeability ε (dielectric constant) (1.1.6)

J = σE Ohm's Law (σ = conductivity) (1.1.7)

div J = - ∂tρ Equation of Continuity (see item 7 below) (1.1.8)

(a) Notes on Maxwell's Equations

(1.1.1) through (1.14): p 2 (I.1a) Maxwell's Equations

PdV = electric dipole moment contained in volume dV of a dielectric (1.1.9)

Jpol ≡ ∂tP = polarization current density (1.1.10)

ρpol = - div P = polarization charge density (1.1.11)

P = ε0χeE // polarization assumed proportional to the polarizing E field (1.1.12)

D = ε0E + P = ε0(1 + χe)E = ε E = "the electric displacement " (1.1.13)

ε = ε0(1 + χe) // ε = dielectric constant, χe = electric susceptibility (1.1.14)

div E = (1/ε0) ( ρfree + ρpol) = (1/ε) ρfree . (1.1.16)

Jd ≡ ∂tD = ∂t[ε0E + P] = ∂tP + ε0∂tE = Jpol + Jvac ρpol = - div P . (1.1.17)

= ∂t(-ρpol) + ∂t(ρfree + ρpol) - ∂tρfree = 0 (1.1.18)

where we have used continuity div Jc = -∂tρfree, see item 7 below.

MdV = magnetic dipole moment contained in volume dV of a medium (1.1.19)

Jm = curl M = magnetization current density ( => div Jm = 0) (1.1.20)

M = χm H = magnetization // = [μ/μ0- 1] H from (1.1.23) (1.1.21)

B = μ0(H+M) = μ0(1+χm)H = μH = "magnetic induction" (informally, magnetic field) (1.1.22)

μ = μ0(1+χm) // μ = magnetic permeability, χm = magnetic susceptibility (1.1.23)

curl B = μ0(curlH + curlM) = μ0(∂tD + Jc) + μ0Jm

= μ0(∂tD + Jc + Jm) . " B sees all currents" (1.1.24)

div [Jc+ Jd] = 0 ≠ -∂tρtot // reminder of item 5 above (1.1.18)

E = electric field (volts/m)

coulomb = farad-volt volt = ampere-ohm henry-farad = sec2

c = 1/ μ0 ε0 = 2.9979246 x 108 m/sec = speed of light

Zfs = μ0/ε0 = 376.73032 ohms = "impedance of free space"

σ = 5.81 x 107 mho/m for copper (1.1.29)

(b) Integral Forms of Maxwell's Equations and Continuity

∫V div F dV = ∫S F • dS // "the divergence theorem" Spiegel 22.59 (1.1.30)

volume [ (1/ε)∫V ρ dV ], usually called "the total charge enclosed". Thus,

div E = ρ/ε ⇔ ∫V ρ dV = ∫S ε E • dS . (1.1.33)

div B = 0 ⇔ ∫S B • dS = 0 . S is any closed surface (1.1.34)

div J = - ∂tρ ⇔ - ∂t[∫V ρ dV] = ∫S J • dS . (1.1.35)

When the situation is static, one has ∫

We shall be using all these integral forms in the document below.

(c) Rules for behavior of fields and potentials at a boundary

The area integral on the right side of (1.1.36) is

-∫S (∂tB) • dS = - ∂tBz(1) sL - ∂tBz(2) sL = - sL [∂tBz(1) + ∂tBz(2)]

so the integral form in (1.1.36) says

[Ex(2)- Ex(1)] L = - s L [∂t Bz(1) + ∂t Bz(2)] .

Et1 = Et2 or (1/ε1)Dt1 = (1/ε2)Dt2 (1.1.41)

A similar analysis using the curl H equation,

[Hx(2)- Hx(1)] L = s L [∂t Dz(1) + Jz(1) + ∂t Dz(2) + Jz(2)] .

Ht1 = Ht2 or (1/μ1)Bt1 = (1/μ2)Bt2 . (1.1.42)

J = K δ(y) J = amp/m2 K = amp/m (1.1.43)